Police are warning of a possible turf war as the Hells Angels motorcycle gang attempts to gain a foothold in the South Island.
Members of The Red Devils, said to be an affiliate of the Hells Angels gang, have recently been seen in Nelson.
Another gang, called the Lost Breed, is well established in the region, and has been operating there for the past 30 years.
Nelson Area Police Commander, Inspector Brian McGurk, says the appearance of the Red Devils is a strategic move by the Hells Angels to get involved in the local drug trade.