KEY POINTS:
Police carried out a series of dawn raids in Hawke's Bay and Gisborne today, seizing large quantities of drugs and firearms and making over 45 arrests.
By mid-morning, police had found a sawn-off shotgun, seven stun guns, an explosive device filled with nails and a quantity of drugs.
The amount and quantity of drugs was still unknown this morning, although police said all the houses raided were linked to drug distribution. They seized equipment to produce cannabis oil and a large amount of cannabis.
Detective Sergeant Warren Murdoch said they expected to arrest more people during the day.
One Hawke's Bay resident said she had woken this morning to find a marked police car outside her house and officers inside a second property.
The strong odour of isopropyl alcohol hung in the air at one house as detectives searched an area believed to be used for the production of cannabis oil.
Parked only metres from a bench cluttered by plastic tubing was a pushchair.
At a second house, unmarked Holden police cars were parked amongst abandoned cars and children's bikes. A chained dog with an intimidating appearance sunned itself in the backyard as police searched the property.
Eastern District crime services manager, Detective Inspector Sam Aberahama, added that police were pleased with their success.
"Eastern District Police are committed to reducing the effects that organised criminal activity is having on our communities," he said.
"We are determined to continue putting pressure on gangs and their associates.
"If they choose to continue with this lifestyle they can be assured that police will target them."
Mr Aberahama said tip-offs from the public had led to some of the arrests.
"We encourage people to continue to call us if they have information in relation to organised criminal activity," he said.
- NZPA, HAWKE'S BAY TODAY
