Last updated 16:21, March 24 2017
SCOTT
HAMMOND/FAIRFAX NZ
Bikies heading to Nelson for last year's
poker run were met by a police checkpoint after leaving the Picton ferry
terminal.
Police are increasing their presence in Nelson this weekend saying motorcycle gangs will be closely monitored at a poker run being held in the region.
The annual Hells Angels poker run is being held in the region which Nelson Bays Area Commander Inspector Mat Arnold-Kelly said would be attended by gang members.
"We can assure the public that anti-social
behaviour, whether it be on the roads or otherwise, will not be tolerated and
police will be keeping a close eye on the behaviour of those attending the
event."
Arnold-Kelly said the community could expect to see a highly visible police
presence throughout the weekend.
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Last year Arnold-Kelly released a similar message to gangs before the annual
run. He said anti-social behaviour and drugs would not be tolerated in the
Nelson community.
"Gangs are the main driver of methamphetamine trade in this country and we do not want that here. I have seen first-hand the devastation methamphetamine wreaks on people's lives and we all have to commit to disrupting this destructive drug trade," he said then.
It's understood the annual poker run will kick off at Belgrove Tavern for the second year in a row on Saturday.
Last year's event, the Sun City Poker Run, was presented by the Prospects 81 of Nelson and held in support of MediMax Ambulance, a private company that provides first-aid services to sports events around the region.
In December 2015 Nelson's long-standing gang the Lost Breed was overtaken by the Hells Angels.
The Hells Angels gained a foothold in Nelson through the Red Devils Motorcycle Club, which emerged in the city in March, 2009.