The National Organised Crime Group is expanding into the South Island.

The announcement follows a trial of the Police Eagle Helicopter in Christchurch in March.

Seven staff including five detectives, will operate out of Christchurch – zoning in on high end-networks and international gangs.

Assistant Investigations Commissioner Richard Chambers told Chris Lynch the group will focus on highly organised crime networks across New Zealand, where “international groups try to target our country to make money through criminal activity.”

“The time is right for us to set up in the South Island, to support police, because we have seen, in recent years, attempts by some groups to exploit the South Island in the interests of making money.”

Mr Chambers points to the influx of gangs coming to New Zealand from Australia where “they’re more confident about exploiting existing distribution networks to promote their criminal activities.”

He says police have seen a significant increase in violence associated with gang activity, and with drug and firearms activity.

Mr Chambers says the new police unit will work alongside the Asset Recovery Team, which is responsible for restraining assets accumulated through the proceeds of crime.

Last year the Asset Recovery Team, restrained 491 assets, including bank accounts, real estate, cash, vehicles, e-currency, jewellery and a host of other items.

About 80 per cent of all restrained assets stem from drugs, gangs and organised crime.