13 arrested in drug operation

Thirteen people were arrested in the lower North Island yesterday morning in a major swoop by armed police searching for methamphetamine.

Inspector Mark Harrison of Palmerston North police said that at about 7.30am, 80 police officers, including members of the armed offenders squad, executed 20 search warrants.

The warrants were to search for methamphetamine as well as cannabis and firearms, Mr Harrison said.

Eight men and five women will appear in Palmerston North and Wanganui District Courts on charges of conspiring to supply methamphetamine. The investigation continues.

- NZPA