51 arrests in Far North drugs bust

Police in the Far North have arrested 51 people and charged them with more than 200 drug and property-related offences.

Up to 100 police officers swooped on 42 houses in Kaitaia and outlying areas this week, seizing methamphetamine, cannabis, firearms, vehicles, cash, precursor materials and equipment for manufacturing drugs.

Three search warrants were also executed in Auckland as part of the operation.

Police confirmed that undercover officers were part of the operation.

Those arrested during "Operation Tui and Maverick" face a range of charges, including the manufacture and supply of methamphetamine and the cultivation and supply of cannabis.

They will initially appear in the Kaitaia District Court.

"It will be fair to say we have certainly caused some damage to some big players in the Northland drug scene," Detective Inspector Chris Scahill said.

The arrests on Wednesday and yesterday had had a "major impact on the drug sub- culture in the Far North and has caused considerable disruption to organised criminal networks in the area".

When executing the search warrants, police seized between six and eight grams of methamphetamine worth up to $8000, three clandestine methamphetamine laboratories, more than 700 cannabis plants and 16kg of cannabis material.

They also seized four rifles, two pistols, $5000 cash, and an assortment of stolen property, including a ride-on lawnmower.

The operation took "several months" to organise, with the first search warrants executed at 7am on Wednesday.

Mr Scahill said: "Police are very pleased with the results of the operation, which sent a very clear message that those who deal in drugs and stolen property will face the consequences.

"The ongoing effects will be felt in the criminal fraternity for some time to come."

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)