Major drugs and firearms bust worries police

The above three firearms, around $6000 in cash and stolen electrical equipment were amongst some of the items police and Government have seized. Photo / Supplied

Twenty-five people have been arrested across the western Bay of Plenty this week in an operation targeting the sale and distribution of illicit drugs.

Police said 32 search warrants were executed across the region by more than 30 police staff who, assisted by other Government agencies, seized methamphetamine, cannabis and magic mushrooms, around $6000 in cash, three firearms and ammunition, and stolen electrical equipment.

The Armed Offenders Squad was not required as support for any of the search warrants.

Those arrested are facing a range of charges related to possession of illicit drugs and for supply, cultivating cannabis, receiving stolen property and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

All those arrested have been or will be appearing in the Tauranga District Court over the coming week.

The acting-head of the Tauranga CIB, Detective Senior Sergeant Lindsay Pilbrow, said one of the firearms recovered from a Mt Maunganui address is a powerful semi-automatic military style assault rifle, complete with ammunition.

"Obviously this is a disturbing recovery," Mr Pilbrow said.

"We are increasingly seeing the unlawful possession of firearms in association with the manufacture and distribution of illicit drugs. This coupled with the use of, or trade, in any illicit drug is potential for disaster."

Mr Pilbrow said police rely heavily on information from the public in their efforts to reduce the harm of organised crime and drugs.

He urged anyone who has concerns about criminal activity in their community to contact police directly, or to provide information anonymously via the Crimestoppers line, 0800 555 111.

"If you see something suspicious, please say something. We have a far greater chance of being able to catch offenders and hold them accountable if we know about suspicious activity sooner rather than later."