Some of the cash and drugs recovered during the police operation. Photo: Supplied / NZ police
Police say members of a drug ring operating in Hawke's Bay had links to organised crime groups in Auckland.
Nine people are before the courts and a large amount of drugs have been seized after a significant police operation focusing on disrupting organised crime in the Hawke's Bay and Auckland area.
Those arrested are facing charges that include possession of cannabis for supply, possession of MDMA for supply and possession of cocaine as well as unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The Eastern District Police organised crime unit executed several warrants across Hawke's Bay and Auckland last Friday. A significant amount of cash, drugs and firearms were seized.
Also, as part of the operation, police stopped a vehicle on State Highway 5 and nearly 10kg of cannabis were found and seized.
The driver was also found to be in possession of a firearm.
Overall, police seized 30kg of cannabis, a quantity of MDMA and cocaine, three firearms including a pump action shotgun, and around $200,000 cash.
The Central District asset recovery unit also restrained four properties, eight vehicles and other valuable assets, including gold.
One of the seized vehicles. Photo: Supplied / NZ police
Eastern district police arrested six people aged between 27 and 65 who are due to reappear in Napier District Court on 9 August.
Auckland police arrested three people aged between 22 and 67 who are due to reappear in Manukau District Court on 16 August.
Eastern district organised unit officer in charge Detective Senior Sergeant John McCarthy said the investigation has been taking place in Hawke's Bay for several months.
"The amount of money they [the offenders] are making and the assets they are collecting are concerning."
Police central asset recovery unit officer in charge Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Fischer said the operation had shown "the lengths individuals go to in obtaining cannabis for on-sale, and an indication of the scale of demand".
"Well organised and prolific drug dealing offenders inevitably channel their illicit funds into assets for their own personal gain," Fischer said.
"Removing this product and the assets derived from the sale of illicit drugs ensures the community are safe and the risk to their wellbeing is reduced."