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Nine people appeared in Lower Hutt District Court this morning in connection with an illegal paua poaching and trade ring.
The eight men and one woman were arrested in May after police and fisheries officers conducted dawn raids on houses and business in Auckland, Wellington, Opotiki and Hastings.
The big bust - dubbed Operation Paid - has implicated nearly 60 people, including Mongrel Mob gang members and an Asian restaurateur.
They are alleged to have pillaged tonnes of paua from Wellington's south coast.
The Ministry of Fisheries said more than 300 charges were expected to be laid under the Fisheries Act, with maximum penalties of up to five years' imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.
All nine people in court today were remanded until July 4.
Others arrested in the sting were due to appear at Lower Hutt District Court on Thursday.
Six Auckland-based people were remanded on bail after appearing in Manukau District Court last month.
- NZPA
