KEY POINTS:
A bomb and an arsenal of weapons including stun guns, explosives and sawn-off shotguns were discovered in police raids yesterday in Hawkes Bay and the East Coast.
More than 100 police swooped on 34 addresses they alleged were linked to the distribution of controlled drugs.
Detective Sergeant Warren Murdoch said police were expecting Operation Nacre to result in more than 50 arrests.
He said the discovery of eight stun guns, two sawn-off shot-guns and a home-made explosive device at two of the addresses was worrying.
Explosive specialists from Wellington were due to examine the explosive device in Napier.
Police also found cannabis, cannabis oil and cash at the other addresses.
Mr Murdoch said the dawn raids throughout Hawkes Bay, Gisborne and Wairoa were the culmination of seven months' hard work by the team.
"It is also a continuation of the pressure we are exerting on organised crime in this district. We are focused on getting to their distribution networks and disabling them."
Eastern District crime services manager, Detective Inspector Sam Aberahama, said police were pleased with the success of the operations.
"Eastern District Police are committed to reducing the effects that organised criminal activity is having on our communities.
"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."
The operation was one of three coordinated by the Hastings Police Organised Crime Unit in the past four months.
In August, Operation Oyster netted more than 40 arrests, an indoor cannabis operation, quantities of cannabis, methamphetamine and a firearm.
A similar operation, targeting the Wairoa Mongrel Mob, was performed in July.
Seventeen gang members were arrested and charged with a variety of drug and firearms charges, including charges for possessing explosives and equipment used for the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Mr Aberahama said information from the community led to some of the results achieved in yesterday's operation.
- NZPA
