- Mongrel Mob boss Mathew Phillip Karetu is on the run while awaiting sentencing for methamphetamine dealing.
- Police are seeking information on Karetu’s whereabouts, warning the public not to approach him.
- Karetu pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including supplying meth and unlawful possession of a pistol.
A Mongrel Mob boss on bail while awaiting sentencing for dealing meth is still on the run from police today.
Police want to hear from anyone who can help them find Mathew Phillip Karetu, who has a warrant out for his arrest.
The Mongrel Mob Barbarians national president is thought to be in the Counties Manukau and Eastern districts, and may be travelling between the two, police say.
“Anyone with information is urged not to approach him and instead call 111 immediately and quote file number 241216/5820,” said a police statement.
Karetu was arrested in March after the covert investigation Operation Yellowstone targeted an Auckland businessman selling commercial quantities of methamphetamine.
The 38-year-old, who was living in Tauranga at the time, was one of his customers.
A police search of his home uncovered a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a cash counting machine and $68,100 inside a Louis Vuitton handbag.
Encrypted messages showed Karetu purchased 1kg of meth for $140,000 at one meeting.
As a national gang boss, Karetu used his status and criminal connections to distribute the drug around the North Island.
He pleaded guilty to offering to supply, supplying and possession of a Class A drug for supply, unlawful possession of a pistol, and possession and supply of synthetic cannabis.
Karetu was due to be sentenced in the Manukau District Court next month.
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