Cannabis and cash seized by Eastern District Organised Crime Group on 22 December 2023. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
Nearly $300,000 worth of cannabis and cash have been seized after a series of searches in Napier and Hastings.
Detective Senior Sergeant John McCarthy said it was part of an investigation into large-scale cannabis dealing in Hawke's Bay, with links to the local Mongrel Mob.
"Hawke's Bay Police have located 15kg of cannabis and a substantial amount of cash during a series of search warrants in Napier and Hastings this morning.
"The cannabis located has a street value of approximately $300,000. Disturbingly, a large amount of the cannabis was located in a baby's cot in a child's bedroom," he said.
Two men aged 28 and 30, and a 24-year-old woman have been charged with possession of cannabis for supply. They will appear in Hastings District Court on 3 January 2024.
A 24-year-old man has been charged with possession of MDMA for supply. He will appear in Napier District Court on 9 January 2024.
"These arrests are the result of a significant amount of work by the officers working in Eastern District's Organised Crime Group, who are absolutely focused on targeting and combating the distribution of illicit drugs in our communities by gangs," McCarthy said.
Anyone with information about drug activity in their neighbourhood or community is asked to call police.