Waikato police operation finds over 1kg meth

A three-month long police operation targeting organised crime in Waikato is expected to slow the availability of methamphetamine in the region.

Police say 40 search warrants have netted 100 people and 1kg of meth and 30 illegal firearms.

The Operation Typhoon investigation team and the Police Asset Recovery Unit also seized $350,000 in cash, motor vehicles and motorcycles.

A meth lab was found on Monday on a rural property near Raglan, bringing the total to five after others were located in September.

As previously reported last month, police identified and dismantled four commercial scale methamphetamine labs and seized commercial quantities of materials and precursor chemicals destined to be used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine.

Police said the operation also highlighted a significant working relationship between members of different gangs.

This includes Waikato Mongrel Mob and Mongrel Mob Rogue members and associates working together in three of the meth labs found.

Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley said the manufacturers and their network of dealers and suppliers preyed on the most vulnerable people in the community and use violence, threats, and intimidation to push drugs for their own financial benefit.

Those arrested face charges including participating in an an organised criminal group, manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of precursor chemicals to manufacture methamphetamine, supplying methamphetamine and unlawful possession of firearms.

They have all made initial appearances in the Hamilton District Court.