Cash, P found in haul

cash police say was found during a raid on a Hikurangi home on Tuesday.

Methamphetamine with a street value of $150,000 was found after police and armed officers raided a Hikurangi house.

Almost 5.5 ounces of methamphetamine - also known as P - $21,000 in cash, a P lab, a .22 calibre pistol and stolen property were allegedly found when police raided the house early on Tuesday. The bust was carried out by the Whangarei Tactical Crime Unit with support from the Armed Offenders Squad.

The search was followed less than 24 hours later with officers finding 100 grams of cannabis, thousands in cash and a pipe for smoking methamphetamine during an unrelated random vehicle stop.

After the Hikurangi raid, two 30-year-old men were charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dene Begbie said the 154 grams of methamphetamine was a large quantity with a high street value and was one of the largest hauls of the drug ever found in Northland. A gram of P sells on the street for about $1000.

Mr Begbie said police will continue to hunt those involved in the illicit drug trade and want to hear from anyone who has information.

"While this is a significant catch there are still drug dealers and manufacturers out there causing harm in our community, so any chance the police have to impact on illicit drugs we will take," he said.

The owners of the stolen property had already been found, he said.

No pleas were taken when Shane Legg and Tuara Kingi appeared in the Whangarei District Court yesterday charged over the seized drugs.

Legg was denied bail and remanded in custody until August 11 while Kingi will have to re-appear before a High Court judge to apply for bail on Monday.

Meanwhile, two Taupo men were arrested and charged with drug offences after a random stop by police saw 100 grams of cannabis, a pipe for smoking methamphetamine and several empty methamphetamine "point bags" found in the car they were in.

Ms Kennett said the vehicle was stopped on Otaika Rd just after 12am yesterday and police discovered that two of the men had outstanding warrants for their arrest.

Ms Kennett said a search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered a bag with several thousand dollars of cash and a further search discovered 100 grams of cannabis, two sets of electronic scales, a glass pipe for smoking methamphetamine and a quantity of plastic point bags.

Two men, aged 43 and 29, from Taupo were arrested, with the elder man charged with possession of cannabis for supply and the younger man with possession of cannabis for supply and possession of utensils for smoking methamphetamine.

They will appear in Whangarei District Court on the charges on August 11.