Cops dismantle Greazy Dogs MC meth operation in Tauranga, seize $1.5m in assets

Police have dealt a major blow to the Greazy Dogs Motorcycle Club’s methamphetamine operation in the western Bay of Plenty, arresting key gang members and seizing over \$1.5 million in assets during a large-scale crackdown this week.

Over 17–18 June, officers executed 35 search warrants across Tauranga, including at the gang’s headquarters. Among those arrested were the gang’s national vice president and sergeant-at-arms, as part of Operation Kingtide—an investigation launched by the National Organised Crime Group in late 2024.

Searches uncovered methamphetamine, cannabis, drug manufacturing equipment, firearms, ammunition, and $25,000 in cash. Police also restrained assets including two homes, cars, and motorcycles.

Detective Inspector Albie Alexander said the arrests would significantly disrupt the region’s meth supply. Bay of Plenty District Commander Tim Anderson condemned the gang’s disregard for the harm meth causes, calling them profit-driven and indifferent to community devastation. Alongside enforcement efforts, the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) programme is providing support to families affected by the arrests, aiming to prevent future harm and offending through a long-term, community-focused strategy.

Arrest and charge details to date:

• 25-year-old Tauranga man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine
• 34-year-old Mt Maunganui man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine for supply
• 34-year-old Papamoa man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession for supply of methamphetamine
• 33-year-old Mt Maunganui man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine for supply, and conspiring to supply cocaine
• 37-year-old Tauranga man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine for supply.