Three Tribesmen gang members arrested

Police also found large quantities of cannabis to the street value of about $20,000. File photo

Three members of the Tribesmen gang were arrested today after police located a large amount of a drug used to manufacture methamphetamine.

Counties Manukau Police searched four homes in Flatbush, Otara and Manurewa where they found half a kilogram of ephedrine. When ephedrine was used to manufacture meth, it had a street value of about $375,0000, they said.

Police also found large quantities of cannabis to the street value of about $20,000.

A 21-year-old patched Tribesmen member and two 29-year-olds were arrested and face a number of charges including possession and supply of Class B and C substances.

Detective Senior Sergeant Albie Alexander said the planned search took a number of months and anyone supplying illegal drugs would be charged.

"Police will hold offenders to account who try to spread harm through our community by supplying and selling these illicit drugs.

Counties Manukau East Pacific Advisory Board member Poutoa Pailate Papali'i said drugs and organised crime was a "blight on our community" and would not be tolerated.

"Instead I encourage everyone to work together to eliminate this for the future of our young people and our communities."

Police urge anyone who has information on any drug dealing or organised crime to contact local police station or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.