Children found at Bay of Plenty P-lab

File photo / Bay of Plenty Times

Police arrested 12 people in the western Bay of Plenty today after executing 12 search warrants in an operation targeting drugs and stolen property.

One search of an address on Glue Pot Rd, at Oropi, south of Tauranga, found a methamphetamine lab and firearms. Police arrested a 42-year-old male in connection with the haul.

There were also three children, aged from pre-school age to 14, at the address who were dealt with by Child Youth and Family.

Detective Sergeant Eddie Lyttle of Mt Maunganui police said the methamphetamine cooks did not realise the significant risks their actions posed to their children.

"The chemicals they use are extremely volatile," he said.

The charges that will be laid following today's arrests include methamphetamine related charges, possession of cannabis for supply and receiving stolen property. Police seized methamphetamine, electronic goods, cannabis and cannabis plants.

Mr Lyttle said he hoped the operation would help reduce the effects of crime over the period between July and August, when there was usually a spike in the number of burglaries and thefts in the region. The end of the kiwifruit season resulting in people being out of work probably contributed to this increase, he said.

The operation clearly showed that there was a very strong connection between the distribution of drugs and stolen property, he said.

More than 40 staff were involved in the operation including members from other government agencies.

- NZPA