Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Two gang members and an associate have been arrested in Hawke's Bay following a six- month investigation into high levels of methamphetamine in wastewater.
Police executed five search warrants across the region and Hastings on Wednesday as part of Operation Tukutuki.
They found a quantity of methamphetamine, cash, a 3D-printed firearm and stolen property.
Detective Inspector James Keene said wastewater testing showed meth had an increasingly strong grip on parts of Hawke's Bay.
"The element of surprise is vital, especially when organised crime networks are involved, so we went hard and early.
"Several warrants were executed simultaneously to reduce the people in this network tipping others off.
"We're continuing to investigate, and we expect to lay more charges against the people who have been arrested."
Three men, aged 39, 42 and 57 - two of which were patched Mongrel Mob members and the other an associate - appeared in the Hastings District Court on Wednesday, facing multiple charges of possession for supply, supply and conspiracy to supply methamphetamine and cannabis.
Keene said it was believed local gangs were pumping the drug into the area and were not worried about the damage they were inflicting.
The operation took six months, police said, not ruling out further arrests.
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