Hawke's Bay Police have made the region's largest ever methamphetamine bust after a six-month-long investigation.
On Wednesday and Thursday police executed eight search warrants at homes in Napier and Hastings and arrested 13 people for high level drug offending.
A number of those arrested are Mongrel Mob members.
Items seized in the search warrants include:
- Three kilograms of methamphetamine with a street value of around $2.5 million
- Approximately $343,000 in cash
- 2,200 LSD tabs
- Eight firearms
- Six upmarket vehicles
- A new Harley Davidson motorcycle
Those arrested are facing charges including supplying methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine for supply and firearms charges.
Some of the 13 have appeared in Hastings District Court on Thursday and the rest will appear tomorrow.
"Our investigation team has spent months working tirelessly to dismantle this drug supply, and in doing so have prevented significant harm reaching our communities," says Detective Inspector Mike Foster.
"The destruction methamphetamine causes cannot be underestimated. Police and our community within Eastern district will not tolerate this sort of behaviour.
"As well as holding people to account, Police will ensure that those who are reliant on methamphetamine are referred to the relevant agencies to ensure they get the support they need to address their use."
Mr Foster says anyone with any information about drug related offending can contact police in confidence by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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