He also had a stark warning for white-collar professionals in the region who "operated in the shadows behind the highly visible patched gang members".
"People in professional positions, both locally and offshore, are often the brains behind drug-dealing networks," he said.
"Other professionals are engaged in money-laundering which enables gangs to run criminal enterprises behind a business facade.
"Whether you wear a gang patch or a shirt and tie, you will face the consequences of your offending.
"The gangs and the business professionals who organise the drug trade are a scourge on our neighbourhoods. They even tried to poison our communities during the lockdown."
Most of those arrested on Tuesday ranged in age from 18 to 46. They appeared in Hastings District Court on Wednesday, facing drug and firearms charges, and many were remanded in custody.
Those in custody included the leader of a Hawke's Bay Mongrel Mob chapter.
Detective Inspector Mike Foster said the operation was a culmination of an ongoing operation by the Organised Crime Unit into the sale of methamphetamine and cannabis throughout Hawke's Bay.
Nash said he had a "huge" appreciation for police who worked tirelessly to hold offenders to account.
"I also want to thank everyone in the community who is prepared to step forward to report suspicious activity with gangs and firearms and drugs. It does help."