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Three men were arrested and drugs, ammunition and cash seized after armed police smashed through a fortified gang address in Rotorua using a front end loader at dawn today.
Inspector Bruce Horne, area commander for Rotorua police, said members of the armed offenders squad from Tauranga and Rotorua removed a section of the fence with the loader about 6am.
Police then used special equipment to overcome steel fortifications that sealed the building.
During the operation, armed police used distraction devices that made large bangs and were probably heard by people in neighbouring homes, Mr Horne said.
The occupants was cleared "within minutes" of the police gaining entry and a search was conducted.
As a result, methamphetamine, ammunition and a substantial amount of cash was seized, Mr Horne said.
An unemployed 19-year-old was charged with burglary, assault, driving while disqualified, failing to remain for a breath sample and supplying false details.
Two other men, aged 27 and 28 were charged with possession of cannabis.
- NZPA
