Three men with gang links are facing multiple charges including aggravated robbery and kidnapping, police say.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Police executed several search warrants in the region today.
Two firearms were also recovered, one a prohibited weapon, police said in a statement.
A 26-year-old man will face eight charges - two of aggravated robbery, one of kidnapping, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a pistol, possession of methamphetamine and possession of LSD.
A 22-year-old man faces two charges of aggravated robbery, two of perverting the course of justice, one of kidnapping, unlawful possession of ammunition and breach of bail.
Both men have been remanded in custody and will appear in Nelson District Court tomorrow.
A 52-year-old man has been charged with aggravated robbery and has been remanded in custody to appear in court on Friday.
Detective Inspector Mark Chenery said all the men have gang links and as part of Operation Cobalt, police intended making clear to gangs that "their illegal activity will not be tolerated".
"Nelson police have acted on information from the public, which has led to today's search warrants and subsequent arrests."
The investigation was continuing and more people were being sought, Chenery said.
Anyone who has information about suspicious or potentially criminal activity was asked to get in touch with police via 105.