A pro-cannabis activist group is claiming Auckland police failed to defend them from gang threats and instead arrested three of the group's members.
The president of the National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, NORML, says he was a gathering at The Daktory cannabis club on Thursday night when Headhunters gang members arrived.
Julian Crawford alleges they demanded protection money, and at least one death threat was made against a group member.
He says the police were called, but instead of dealing with the gang members, they raided The Daktory, confiscating cannabis and cash and arresting three of of its members.
He says they now face drugs charges.
Waitemata police confirmed the three arrests and the drugs charges but wouldn't comment on Mr Crawford's allegations, saying the matter is now before the courts.