A police operation focusing on the importation, manufacture and supply of methamphetamine, MDMA and other drugs has resulted in 12 arrests today.
Drugs, weapons and money recovered by police during the first part of Operation Cincinnati in late October. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
Police said in a statement that senior leaders of the Comancheros and Rebels gangs were among those arrested after search warrants were executed at 21 properties in the wider Auckland area and another three properties in Christchurch.
A quantity of drugs, some of which were packaged ready for sale, $200,000 in cash and a shotgun were recovered during the property searches.
The nine-month investigation run by the National Organised Crime Group targeted "a core group that are alleged to be involved in the importation, distribution and manufacture of methamphetamine and MDMA, along with other illicit drugs throughout Auckland and Christchurch", the statement said.
One of those arrested was "a leader of the Comancheros gang, who allegedly formed a partnership with a senior member of the Rebels gang in Christchurch, both allegedly running drug distribution networks in their area", police said.
Another 10 gang members and their associates have also been arrested in relation to their alleged roles in the network, which saw drugs and cash transported between the two cities.
Police said it was the second part of Operation Cincinnati, which saw 26 people arrested and kilos of drugs, multiple firearms and more than $10 million in assets seized in October.
Customs staff joined the police operation, which included members of the armed offenders squad, and asset recovery and police dog units.
National Organised Crime Group's acting Detective Inspector John Brunton said police were determined to target the leaders and key members of criminal gangs, who involved themselves in illicit drug distribution, intimidation and violence.
"We want to reduce the harm these gangs are causing in our communities," he said.
Twelve people aged between 20 and 42 will appear in the Auckland District Court in the next few days on various drugs related charges.