Bay of Plenty and Waikato gang bust: 300g of meth, $50,000 and firearms seized, 13 people arrested

300g of methamphetamine was seized after drug busts in the Bay of Plenty and Tokoroa.

A “significant” investigation into methamphetamine dealing by an organised criminal group in Rotorua has resulted in 13 arrests, with approximately 300g of methamphetamine, firearms and thousands of dollars seized, police say.

The Bay of Plenty Organised Crime unit executed search warrants at addresses in Rotorua, Tokoroa and Te Puke over the past three weeks as part of an investigation into the sale and supply of methamphetamine in the Rotorua area, a statement from police said today.

Approximately $50,000 of cash was seized after police with warrants carried out searches in the Bay of Plenty and Tokoroa.

Three hundred grams of methamphetamine was found and seized along with three firearms, approximately $50,000 cash, electronics and stolen trailers.

Thirteen people are now appearing before the court on a range of charges, the statement said.

They include several patched gang members who are facing charges including possession of methamphetamine for supply, supplying methamphetamine and participating in an organised crime group.

Police has also seized several vehicles include a Harley Davidson, a Holden Commodore and a Ford Ranger and will allege through the courts that they were purchased with the profits from criminal activity.

Firearms were seized after search warrants in the Bay of Plenty and Tokoroa.

Detective Sergeant Leonie Smith said the seizures and arrests would make a significant dent in drug offending in the city.

“We know the harm methamphetamine does in our community and our team has worked tirelessly to gather a significant amount of evidence ahead of terminating.

“This demonstrates the commitment to hold people to account by putting them before the courts and ensuring they are stripped of assets bought with their criminal profits.”