A "significant" drug-dealing network has been apprehended in Waikato, leading to the arrests of 29 people - including Mongrel Mob senior leadership.
On Friday, police announced four commercial meth labs have been shut down in the region as part of Operation Kingpin, a three-month-long investigation into organised crime.
This week police carried out 20 search warrants in Waikato, Auckland, and Bay of Plenty, which led to the arrests.
The operation has recovered more than $1 million in assets, including stolen property, vehicles, jewellery, meth, other drugs, loaded firearms and nearly $200,000 in cash.
Police Minister Stuart Nash says an operation against the Mongrel Mob will "make a big dent" in drug harm and violent offending related to organised crime networks.
"Methamphetamine is a scourge in our communities. It causes misery and grief," he says.
The 29 people arrested face charges including money laundering, manufacturing and supplying methamphetamine and participating in an organised crime group.
Nash says greed is driving the offenders.
"They push drugs onto vulnerable users," he says. "(They) suck money and resources out of some of our most deprived communities."
Police are working to target the factors causing addiction, which drives the demand for methamphetamine, Nash says.
Of those charged, 16 are remanded in custody. The remaining 13 will reappear in the Hamilton District Court in the coming weeks.
Police are urging those with information about similar offendings to contact them by phoning 105, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
