Police have seized more than $150,000 in cash and illegal products with an estimated street value of $750,000 in an operation in Rotorua today.
At about 9.30am today more than 50 Rotorua police officers simultaneously executed search warrants on eight addresses around the Rotorua area.
The search warrants were executed as part of the termination phase of an investigation into the illicit supply of psychoactive substances around the Bay of Plenty region.
Psychoactive substances are more commonly known as synthetic cannabis, are controlled by the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013.
The police investigation has yielded evidence that supports the allegation that psychoactive substances have been sold through "tinnie houses" located in some Rotorua suburbs.
As a result of the search warrants executed today police seized more than $150,000 in cash and illegal products with an estimated street value of $750,000.
Police also seized ammunition and a small amount of methamphetamine.
Police were also concerned at the presence of imitation firearms that were located at a number of the addresses that were searched.
Police are still examining a number of items of interest seized from the properties and a number of items, including quantities of white powders, will require analysis by the ESR to determine whether they contain controlled drugs or other illicit substances.
Three local people have been arrested and charged as a result of today's operation.
A man aged 51 years has been charged with three counts of possessing a psychoactive substance for the purpose of supply and one count of manufacturing a psychoactive substance.
A man aged 40 years has been charged with three counts of possessing a psychoactive substance for the purpose of supply, and one count of selling a psychoactive substance.
A woman, 32, has been charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of methamphetamine and possession of instruments for illicit drug use.
The Rotorua Area Commander, Inspector Bruce Horne, said police were very satisfied with the results of today's operation, but added the investigation was on-going and more arrests were possible.
Police have already received positive feedback from the community about the operation.