Four people have been arrested and nearly $1 million in assets seized following Bay of Plenty drug raids.
On Friday, police executed a number of search warrants following a three-month-long investigation.
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Four people in Taupō were taken into custody. Police say they were all either patched members or associates of the Rebels gang and were involved in dealing "significant amounts" of methamphetamine and other drugs in the Bay of Plenty and other areas.
They will face serious charges over dealing methamphetamine, MDMA, and LSD, and charges relating to commercial cannabis cultivation.
Other charges include participating in an organised crime group, unlawful possession of pistols, supplying a pistol to an unauthorised person, conspiring to pervert the course of justice and conspiring to bring a false allegation.
Police have also seized assets worth approximately $950,000, including a 6.3-hectare lifestyle block in Wairakei, a residential section in Omori, ten vehicles including a classic car and five Harley Davidsons, and jewellery.
"Make no mistake, gangs are all about organised crime and making money," says Detective Senior Sergeant John Wilson.
"Operations like this one targeting those trying to make money from the addictions and misfortunes of others sends a clear signal that crime, in the end, does not pay."
Police say they can't rule out further arrests being made in relation to this investigation.
If anyone has any information that would assist Police they are encouraged to report that information in confidence either to their local Police station or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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