Bust finds stolen loot, drugs

Do you recognise any of this stolen property found by police?

Thousands of dollars in stolen property, hundreds of cannabis plants and a methamphetamine laboratory were discovered by police in a raid on an organised crime ring in Whangarei.

More than 20 police searched five properties on Tuesday looking for property taken in house burglaries. As well, the group was believed responsible for taking vehicles.

Officers went to houses in Onerahi, Otaika, Mata, One Tree Point and central Whangarei.

They uncovered a large indoor cannabis growing operation at a Whangarei property and seized 330 plants at various stages of growth.

A methamphetamine lab, chemicals and manufacturing equipment were found at an Onerahi property.

Whangarei CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Dene Begbie said a large amount of stolen property was found. It included kayaks, cameras, four vehicles, jewellery, clothing, marine equipment, diving gear and horse saddles.

Five people were arrested; a 53-year-old man, two 22-year-old men, a 31-year-old woman, and a 21-year-old woman.

They appeared in the Whangarei District Court on Wednesday on numerous charges including burglary, cultivating cannabis, making methamphetamine, possession for supply of cannabis, possession of equipment/precursor to make methamphetamine, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and theft. Further charges are likely.

Mr Begbie said they were part of a syndicate of dishonesty and drug offenders.

Officers were now starting to match owners to the property.

"Police will be looking at recent burglaries and getting in touch with the victims to see if any of the property belongs to them," Mr Begbie said.

They also encourage anyone who has been burgled to come forward and see if they can identify any stolen items.

Mr Begbie said the operation had put a large dent in a crime ring involving drugs, burglary, theft and stealing vehicles.