Police have confirmed that a clandestine meth lab was found at the scene of an explosion and fire in Katikati last weekend.
More than a dozen firefighters from Katikati Volunteer Fire Brigade, Greerton and Mount Maunganui fought for five hours to bring the blaze, which erupted at a Katikati address on Sunday, under control.
Police said an investigation into the fire had been completed and confirmed a clandestine lab was found at the address.
The fire was allegedly lit by occupants of the property as police were executing a search warrant there, police said.
A 35-year-old man from Katikati, a 37-year-old man from Mateku and a 26-year-old woman from Tauranga have all been jointly charged with arson and conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine.
