Thirty people have been arrested and more than $2 million worth of assets seized in drug raids across the Bay of Plenty after an investigation during which up to $2.6 million worth of methamphetamine was allegedly sold to the community by dealers.
Police have today conducted search warrants at 38 addresses across the Bay of Plenty region as part of Operation Notus, a six month-long investigation into organised crime and drugs.
Twenty-two men and eight women have been arrested today and further arrests are likely in the coming days and weeks, said Inspector Kevin Taylor, Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander.
They are facing a range of methamphetamine-related charges including supplying, possession to supply, and conspiracy to supply methamphetamine and cannabis.
The police Asset Recovery Unit has been assisting the investigation team and have restrained over $2 million worth of assets including residential properties, vehicles, boats, and jet-skis, Inspector Taylor said.
Cash and bank accounts worth over $100,000 have also been restrained, he said.
Twenty-six firearms were located during today's warrants as well as quantities of methamphetamine and cannabis.
Over the course of the investigation it is estimated that methamphetamine worth the retail value of at least $2.1-2.6 million was allegedly sold to the community by these dealers, Inspector Taylor said.
This amount of methamphetamine equates to approximately $5.4 million in social harm, he added.
Today's arrests will have a major impact on the distribution and supply of methamphetamine and cannabis in Kawerau and the wider Bay of Plenty Region, Inspector Taylor said.
"We will continue to work with Iwi and our partner agencies to offer advice and support services to those who have been identified as users of these drugs," he said.
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