Joshua James Masters head of the Killer Beez gang

Investigation head detective inspector John Tims says the arrests are the culmination of a six-month investigation targeting the Killer Beez and Tribesmen gangs. More than 100 police took part in the Operation Leo raids around Otara and Papatoetoe with the armed offenders squad also involved in Tuesday’s searches.More than 20 people are facing drugs charges after a police crackdown on the Killer Beez and Tribesmen gangs.The arrests came after police raids on Monday and Tuesday on 19 south Auckland properties, including Colourways Records run by the Killer Beez.
Seventeen people charged with supplying methamphetamine or P, a class A drug, were remanded in custody until June 11 when they appeared in the Manukau District Court on Tuesday.One of those was Joshua James Masters, 30, the head of the Killer Beez gang. Another was a minor who appeared in the youth court.Two women on non-drugs charges were remanded on bail until June 11.Another 10 people, including two women, were to appear in court on charges mostly relating to the manufacture, supply and possession of methamphetamine.Those arrested range in age from 16 to 58.
The raids in south Auckland and two in the Waikato netted $500,000 worth of methamphetamine and more than $200,000 in cash, plus stolen property including vehicles, and two firearms.The proceeds of crime unit also seized assets including vehicles and motorcycles. Mr Tims says the arrests should go a long way to dispelling some myths about the true nature of the groups’ activities."They’ve tried to portray themselves as modern-day Robin Hoods through their music videos and CDs. But in simple terms they’ve been supplying drugs to our communities."Mr Tims says he’s confident the crackdown has had a "significant impact" on the sale and distribution of methamphetamine in Auckland.Manukau mayor Len Brown has congratulated the police for making inroads into local drug and gang operations."Their focus on groups like the Killer Beez gang is particularly welcome. It’s about time the true nature of groups like this saw the light of day."The Killer Beez was formed in Otara five years ago as a ‘feeder’ gang for the Tribesmen gang and has expanded its influence through Auckland and Northland.In the Waikato, two men face charges of unlawful possession of firearms after Operation Leo raids. One man was to face further charges of conspiracy to supply methamphetamine and receiving stolen property.Police say they are sending a clear message that members of the Killer Beez , a feeder youth gang to the Tribesmen, are not the hip hop heroes being portrayed in music videos."In simple terms they are drug dealers who are causing destruction and chaos by their actions," says Detective Inspector John Tims from Counties Manukau Police.
Meanwhile, some of the 18 gang members arrested earlier on Monday have appeared in the Manukau District Court amid tight security.