Nine people have been arrested and a sophisticated drug dealing and money laundering operation smashed.
The arrests made in Shannon and Palmerston North, came after police this week, seized assets worth about $3 million, 37 high-performance vehicles and five properties, along with around $210,000 in cash and a large quantity of class-A drugs.
Police also found three firearms including an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and a shotgun.
Manawatu Police, the National Organised Crime Group and the Police Asset Recovery Unit arrested the people at a number of properties over the past two days.
A 42-year-old man was charged with possession of methamphetamine and cocaine for supply, participation in an organised group, and money laundering and a 27-year-old woman was charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply, participation in an organised group, and money laundering.
They were due to appear in Palmerston North District Court on Thursday.
Two men aged 42 and 37 who were charged with participation in an organised group, and money laundering and a 36-year-old man charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply will appear in court on Friday.
A 34-year-old woman, a 44-year-old man, and a 33-year-old woman charged with money laundering are due to appear in court next week.
A police statement said the arrests followed a covert investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine and money laundering throughout the lower, central-North Island.
National Organised Crime Group detective inspector Greg Cramer said the "sophisticated network" had been dismantled.
"And a clear message has been sent to those engaged in this predatory behaviour – if you are involved in the sale and distribution of illegal drugs you will be held to account, and have your assets seized."
Central District Field Crime Manager detective inspector Brent Matuku said the police operation had made a "substantial dent in drug dealing and other criminal activity in our community".
"Local officers alongside colleagues from national teams across the country have worked hard over a number of months to gather intelligence and build up a picture of offending that has now been severely disrupted."
Asset Recovery Unit detective senior sergeant Brent Murray encouraged people to contact the police if they had concerns about suspicious financial activity, or people accumulating wealth or assets by no legitimate means.
Anyone with information about drug-related offending can contact the police on 105 or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
