Armed police were called to help with a search warrant at a South Canterbury property this morning, where a hydroponic cannabis operation was uncovered.
The search took place at a rural address in the Rosewill area north of Timaru this morning.
Detective Sergeant Greg Harrison said in order to protect the safety of the public, AOS staff based in Timaru were used as a precaution to secure the property.
Members of the specialist search group and a police drug detector dog helped detectives to complete the search.
"A number of items were seized from the property including two hydroponic cannabis growers, a mixture of mature and growing cannabis plants, dry cannabis leaf, a quantity of methamphetamine, a substantial amount of cash and two firearms," he said.
"One of the firearms had been reported stolen 18 months ago from the Timaru area."
A 42-year-old man was arrested and will appear in Timaru District Court tomorrow facing drug and firearms-related charges.
Police investigations are continuing and further charges may be laid.
"Everybody has a right to be safe and feel safe and we urge members of the community to work with police to stop the availability of illegal drugs," Mr Harrison said.
"By reporting suspicious activity and working together we can stop the crime and social harm associated with this illegal activity."