King Cobras (gang)

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King Cobras
Founded1950s
Founding locationAuckland, New Zealand
Years active1950s–present
EthnicityPolynesian
Membership (est.)400[1]
Criminal activitiesDrug dealing, assault, murder
AlliesBloods, Crips, Black Power, Central Auckland street gangs

The King Cobras are a prominent gang in New Zealand.

History[]

The King Cobras were founded in Ponsonby sometime in the 1950s by Samoans, making them the oldest patched gang in New Zealand.[2] Initially, it was restricted to include only Samoans but have since included other Polynesians.[2] The King Cobras claimed territory runs from Central Auckland down to Mangere, Papatoetoe and the Cobras have proven to be very violent in cases regarding territory.[3] The Cobras presence starts in the North Shore,[4] and travels as far down south as the Hutt Valley and Christchurch.[5] The Cobras have proven to be very violent and have been involved in major cases of drug dealing.[2]

Involvement in organised crime[]

The Cobras have had a history of possessing firearms,[6] and have been involved in the dealing of methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana.[7] In 2003, members of the King Cobras ran a large methamphetamine ring along with the Head Hunters in one of Aucklands biggest drug-cases.[8][9] The King Cobras have been involved in several murder cases, including that of a 15-year-old boy,[10] and the shooting of a rival gang member, as part of a membership process.[11]

Territory[]

The gang has chapters and presence across South, Central,[12] North[4] and West[7] Auckland, Hutt valley, Wellington[5] and Christchurch.[13]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Field, Michael (30 July 2010). "Gang tooling up for drug war, say police". Stuff News. Retrieved 6 May 2018.
  2. ^ a b c "Exodus for weakened Cobras - Crime - NZ Herald News". Nzherald.co.nz. 2011-08-07. Retrieved 2014-01-31.
  3. ^ in the New Zealand Forum. "King Cobras, tooling up for drug war, say police". Topix. Retrieved 2014-01-31.
  4. ^ a b "Wanted man apprehended in Glenfield house - Story - NZ News". 3 News. Retrieved 2014-01-31.
  5. ^ a b Sam Boyer (2013-04-15). "King Cobras Gang Are Setting Up In Wellington". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 2014-01-31.
  6. ^ Field, Michael (2010-07-30). "Gang tooling up for drug war, say police". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 2014-01-31.
  7. ^ a b "Millionaire prisoner involved in drug ring - National - NZ Herald News". Nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved 2014-01-31.
  8. ^ "Police tapes lift the lid on Auckland's drugs underworld".
  9. ^ "Five jailed after lengthy drug trial - National News | TVNZ". Archived from the original on 2015-01-29.
  10. ^ "The short sad life of a youth who took the wrong path - National - NZ Herald News". Nzherald.co.nz. 2004-12-04. Retrieved 2014-01-31.
  11. ^ "King Cobra patch earned by murder". 26 May 2014.
  12. ^ "Dope houses low on police hit-list - National - NZ Herald News". Nzherald.co.nz. 2003-11-15. Retrieved 2014-01-31.
  13. ^ Clarkson, David (15 November 2018). "Brawl breaks out in Christchurch court over fatal King Cobra gang-related shooting". Stuff.

External links[]


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