Police seized 16,000 rounds of ammunition and 17 firearms, many of which they say are banned, in the Marlborough town of Crail Bay last week.
(File image) Photo: 123RF
The confiscation came as a result of search warrants conducted in Operation Chestnut.
The operation is an ongoing investigation into the sale and supply of methamphetamine and associated offending in the Tasman, Wellington, Central and Eastern police districts.
"It's unusual to find such a large collection of firearms out in the community, and getting them off the street is a big win," Detective inspector Paul Baskett said.
A 44-year-old man has been charged and is due to appear in Wellington District Court on 23 December.