Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
One person has been arrested while drugs, weapons and a vehicle have been seized during a police operation in Wairarapa today.
A 28-year-old man is due to appear in Masterton District Court on Thursday, facing drugs and firearms charges.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Sears said targeting gangs in the area was part of the police's commitment to disrupting the supply of illegal drugs by organised crime groups.
"While the sight of armed police in our towns can be confronting, we're committed to reducing drug harm by targeting individuals who profit from the supply of illegal drugs without consideration of the devastation they cause in our communities," Sears said.
Inquiries were continuing and more arrests were possible, he said.