More than 1kg of methamphetamine has been seized and nine people have been arrested, including gang members, in Wairoa, Hawke's Bay.
Items seized during a police operation in Wairoa, Hawke's Bay. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
The arrests come as part of the second phase of a police operation, which initially concluded in September last year, targeting the sale and supply of methamphetamine in the area.
Five of the nine arrested were patched members of the Mongrel Mob, including senior members of the Mongrelizm and Barbarian chapters.
They have been charged with offences including possession of methamphetamine for supply, supplying methamphetamine, conspiring to supply methamphetamine and money laundering.
Police said they also "captured evidence of conspiracies to supply multiple kilograms of methamphetamine into the Wairoa community".
They said their wastewater testing results showed the town was disproportionately affected by methamphetamine use.
"More methamphetamine is detected in Wairoa's wastewater per capita than in any other region in New Zealand."
Police said they expected further arrests and charges.