Bay drug ring smashed

Police at a Maketu property. Photo / John Borren

Police have smashed a drug ring linked to the Mongrel Mob, putting two labs out of operation and preventing millions of dollars worth of methamphetamine hitting the streets.

Operation Detroit culminated in a series of search warrants in Maketu, Te Puke and Tauranga, involving about 40 police officers yesterday.

Three houses on Maketu Rd were at the centre of yesterday's drug raids.

Bay of Plenty police district communications manager Kim Perks said most of those arrested were known members or associates of the Mongrel Mob.

Ms Perks said six search warrants relating to drugs had been executed in Maketu and two in Te Puke yesterday morning.

A man and a woman were arrested after yesterday's raids.

A total of 16 men and two women have been arrested throughout the four-month operation, she said.

Three men and one woman were arrested for a variety of cannabis offences. The other 14 face a range of Class A drug-related charges.

One clan lab was located in Tauranga last week and one in Katikati burnt down on Sunday after three occupants allegedly set light to it as police arrived at the property.

The majority of the operation has taken place in Western Bay of Plenty, involving local officers and staff from Rotorua.

Waikato police provided assistance to execute three warrants in Hamilton, where a significant seizure of precursor material was made. Two arrests were associated with that seizure.

Thousands of dollars worth of methamphetamine and precursors with the potential to make millions of dollars worth of methamphetamine have also been recovered during the operation along with firearms, ammunition, cash and a stolen motorbike, Ms Perks said.

Three motorbikes and two vehicles have also been seized under Proceeds of Crime legislation.

"These are sweet victories in an ongoing battle against organised criminals and gangs," Detective Senior Sergeant Lindsay Pilbrow said.

"Methamphetamine causes nothing but misery and our communities have had a gut's full. Not only are we intent on disrupting the trade, we will take every opportunity to hit them where it hurts by having the proceeds of their criminal activity forfeited."

If you have information about drug manufacture or supply phone the Tauranga police on (07) 577 4300. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.