Police in the Bay of Plenty have executed a number of search warrants in the conclusion of a year-long investigation targeting the Head Hunters motorcycle gang.
Search warrants were executed on Tuesday in Tauranga and Opotiki, and police say they have arrested four people.
They will face a range of serious charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act in relation to dealing a Class A controlled drug, methamphetamine, and commercial cannabis cultivation.
Police cannot rule out further arrests being made.
Detective Senior Sergeant John Wilson says the investigation has targeted a small group involved in dealing in significant amounts of methamphetamine in the Bay of Plenty.
All those in the group are either patched members of the Head Hunters or are associated with that gang.
As part of the ongoing investigation police have seized $506,000 worth of methamphetamine, four firearms - including a loaded pistol - and located a house, which had been converted into a cannabis growing operation. They have also recovered $128,000 in cash.
"Make no mistake, methamphetamine is a scourge, and peddling this misery is all about organised crime and making money," says Det Snr Sgt Wilson.
"The damage that this drug does to our communities is immense, and operations like this one targeting those who would seek to make money from the addictions and misfortunes of others sends a clear signal that crime, in the end, does not pay."
For information on methamphetamine, or help with an addiction, contact the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787797 or visit methhelp.org.nz.
Newshub.
