A Clyde man wearing a "Head Hunters supporter’s T-shirt" may become the second man in Otago to be charged under the controversial new gang-patch ban.
Queenstown police area response manager Acting Senior Sergeant Sam Oram said police on patrol in the Clyde area spotted a man wearing the T-shirt at midnight last Friday.
Police searched his vehicle and located 31g of cannabis and methamphetamine utensils.
The 45-year-old gang associate is due to appear in the Alexandra District Court tomorrow charged with prohibited display of gang insignia in a public place, possessing for supply cannabis plant, possessing methamphetamine utensils, and driving while disqualified for a third or subsequent time.
The Otago Daily Times understands the man may be the second in Otago to be charged under the new gang-patch legislation that came into force last month.
On Monday, 36-year-old Sam Moses became the first after he appeared in the Queenstown District Court charged with unlawfully displaying gang insignia.
Judge Catriona Doyle entered a conviction and deferred Moses’ sentence for 12 months, which was effectively a "good behaviour bond".
She also made an order for the destruction of the gang insignia.
The gang patch ban came into force on November 21, making it an offence to display gang insignia in a public place.
Under the Gangs Act, police can also break up large groups in public "if they are causing fear and intimidation" and issue non-consorting orders to stop gang members from associating or communicating for up to three years.
