Drugs, cash and weapons seized after two months of police investigation of the methamphetamine network

Three people have been arrested and large amounts of drugs and money have been seized following a series of police raids across the country.

The two-month police investigation of a methamphetamine manufacturer with a nationwide network also resulted in the seizure of eight firearms.

Police executed search warrants in Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Queenstown, leading to the arrest of two men, both 51, and a 37-year-old woman.

More than two kilograms of methamphetamine were found along with amounts of LSD, heroin, cocaine and MDMA.

Large quantities of cannabis and several hundred thousand dollars in cash were also located.

One of the men and the woman appeared in Whangarei District Court and faced various charges, including possession for the supply of methamphetamine and precursors.

The woman is due to reappear tomorrow in Auckland District Court.

The second man was arrested in Queenstown on firearms charges and both men are due to reappear in Whangarei District Court on December 23.

Operation Hare was a two-month investigation by the National Organized Crime Group (NOCG) of the police.

Detective Sergeant Brett Shields said police will target anyone who is involved in the manufacture and distribution of illicit drugs.

“The number of high-powered firearms seized indicates a willingness to perpetrate acts of intimidation and violence in order to carry out illegal activities.”

Anyone with information on drug-related crimes, suspicious financial activities, or the identification and location of the proceeds of crime should contact the police on 105 or anonymously on 0800 555 111.