50-plus drug arrests in North Island

Police have arrested more than 50 people in drug raids across Northland and the Hawke's Bay. Photo / Supplied.

More than 50 people have been arrested in two separate operations targeting drugs in the North Island, police said today.

Northland police arrested 32 people during a two-day operation, while their Hawke's Bay counterparts arrested 22 during raids today.

In Northland, 25 addresses were searched in Kaitaia, Kaikohe, Kawakawa, Kerikeri, Paihia, Cable Bay and Whangarei.

More than 40 police staff were involved in the seizure of 149 cannabis tinnies, 900 cannabis seeds, 15 cannabis clone plants, three bags of methamphetamine and $4000 cash.

Those arrested would appear in Kaitaia, Kaikohe and Whangarei district courts.

They would face charges of selling cannabis, possession of cannabis for supply, cultivation of cannabis, possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine for supply, selling hashish and possession of hashish for supply.

Detective Sergeant John Miller, head of Northland police's organised crime unit, said police recognised the impact that drugs had on communities.

He urged members of the public to contact police if they suspected someone was involved in growing or dealing drugs.

In Hawke's Bay, police began executing more than 25 search warrants on properties in Napier and Hastings at 7am as they targeted the supply and sale of cannabis and other drugs.

Detective Senior Sergeant Sean Hansen described the operation, codenamed Rattle, as highly successful and said its effects would be felt in the province for some time.

The 13 men and nine women arrested would appear in the Napier and Hastings District Courts to face a total of 47 charges.

The alleged offences related to methamphetamine and to the possession, cultivation and sale of cannabis.

Mr Hansen, who is head of the Eastern District's organised crime unit, said more arrests were likely.

He said the operation followed months of intelligence gathering, and covert and proactive policing activities.

Some of those arrested were affiliated to local gangs.

More than 100 well-established cannabis plants were found growing in rooms at three of the houses and a small amount of methamphetamine was also located.

Mr Hansen said the cultivation was hidden and well set up with lighting and heating.

He said the availability of cannabis and other drugs in the community should concern everyone.

"Tinnie houses spring up at the drop of a hat," he said.

"We will continue to put the pressure on drug dealers and suppliers, and encourage the public to tell us if they have information about drug dealing and the availability of drugs in their neighbourhood."

- NZPA