Police seize $500k of meth

Methamphetamine seized by police. Photo / Supplied by NZ Police

Half a million dollars worth of methamphetamine has been seized over the weekend as police infiltrate a large drug ring.

Armed offenders squad members and local police pulled over a van heading to Napier at 3.30am on Saturday and arrested two men.

The operation between Tararua, Hawkes Bay and Auckland police involved the seizure of 560g of methamphetamine and drug utensils.

The men, aged 30 and 31, were taken to Napier police station where they were charged with possession for supplying methamphetamine and possession of drug utensils.

Auckland police said the bust has led to numerous leads and more arrests were highly likely as a larger investigation was now underway.

Detective Inspector Ross McKay said the find was a massive win for the communities the drugs were destined for.

"We believe that the supply ring was carrying out its illicit activity between the central and upper North Island, and the methamphetamine was destined for the Hawkes Bay and Tararua areas," he said.

"The supply and dealing of illicit drugs knows no boundaries and this seizure is a major success for these communities."

The 30-year-old man appeared in Napier District Court and was remanded in custody. He was due to reappear in Dannevirke District Court on August 21.

Police are continuing to question the 31-year-old man. He was remanded on bail and will appear in Napier District Court later this week.

A police spokeswoman said the bust was largest in both the Hawkes Bay and Tararua areas in recent years.