Police in South Westland during the recovery phase of the operation. Photo: Supplied / police
Three people are facing charges after what police say is one of their most significant operations in Central Otago in recent years.
Police say Operation Vintage was launched in March 2022 after concerns about an influx of drugs and associated harm in Cromwell, Criminal Investigations district manager Detective Inspector Shona Low said.
A large quantity of cannabis, 21 firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were recovered on Tuesday.
Following the execution of warrants at properties in Cromwell, Tarras and the Haast area on Tuesday three people face 28 charges.
Cannabis recovered from one of the spots in South Westland. Photo: Supplied / police
"There has been a real effort to hide growing sites. They have been found deep in the wilderness, in areas where hunters would be unlikely to stumble across them. It takes considerable effort to get to the areas where these plants have been growing," Low said.
Drones were used to find areas of interest, police said, and officers had to helicopter then walk in, retracing the accused tracks.
One man faces 12 charges relating to methamphetamine, cannabis and firearms.
A second man faces eight charges related to the unlawful possession of firearms, the supply of methamphetamine, the supply of cannabis, and failing to comply.
Some of the firearms seized. Photo: Supplied / police
A third man faces 12 charges related to the supply of methamphetamine, the sale and supply of cannabis, unlawful possession of firearms, and possession of cannabis.
The three men are due to appear in the Queenstown District Court today.