Twelve people have been arrested, including senior leaders of the Comancheros and Rebels gangs, after a major drug bust operation on Wednesday.
Police and New Zealand Customs staff carried out search warrants at 21 properties throughout Christchurch and the wider Auckland area.
The nine-month investigation, run by the National Organised Crime Group, targeted a group that were involved in the importation, distribution and manufacture of methamphetamine and MDMA.
Police located the drugs, along with over $200,000 in cash and a shotgun on Wednesday.
The arrests included the leader of the Comancheros gang, who allegedly formed a partnership with a senior member of the Rebels gang in Christchurch.
A further 10 gang members have also been arrested in relation to their alleged roles in the distribution of drugs and cash between the two cities.
Wednesday's operation was the second phase of the drug bust 'Operation Cincinnati' - which saw 26 people arrested on October 29.
Around $600,000 in cash was found with the drugs and more than 20,000 ecstasy pills were seized in the October raid.
National Organised Crime Group's acting Detective Inspector John Brunton says police are determined to target leaders and key members of these criminal gangs.
"We want to reduce the harm these gangs are causing in our communities," he said.
"I also want to acknowledge the great work carried out by the Operation Cincinnati team, who are committed to preventing organised crime of any sort impacting on our communities."
The twelve people, aged between 20 and 42, will appear at the Auckland District Court in the coming days.
