The 46-year-old man is due to appear in Rotorua District Court on 20 December. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
A senior Mongrel Mob member has been arrested by Rotorua police following a long investigation into drug supply.
The 46-year-old man was taken into custody yesterday on 18 drug-related charges.
He is due to re-appear in Rotorua District Court on 20 December on charges of supply, possession and manufacturing, mostly of methamphetamine.
Police said Operation Richter was disrupting the supply of methamphetamine and the operation of organised crime in Rotorua.
To date, 12 people had been arrested for offences relating to drugs and the possession of firearms and were before the court, police said.
Police had seized several vehicles - including cars, motorbikes and jetskis - about $50,000 cash, firearms, methamphetamine, and methamphetamine manufacturing equipment, they said.