Three men were arrested in Masterton following a series of search warrants being executed last Wednesday and Thursday by the Armed Offenders Squad and Criminal Investigation Branch.
An estimated four grams of methamphetamine worth about $1400 and over 700g of cannabis were found at searched addresses.
Also found in the bust were three firearms, including a loaded shotgun.
Two of the arrested individuals – a 27-year-old male and a 46-year-old male – have already appeared in Masterton District Court on drug-related and possession charges.
The third person arrested – a 27-year-old male – is due to reappear in Masterton District Court tomorrow on charges of receiving property and possession of cannabis for supply.
Further charges are being considered.
The search warrants that led to these arrests were carried out as part of Operation Cobalt, a nationwide police operation that is targeting illegal activity by gang members and their associates.
Precision Targeting Team Acting Detective Sergeant Corey Reid said police are pleased to have made this progress.
“Deploying armed police in our communities is not a decision we take lightly but gangs, drugs, and firearms are a dangerous mix.”
Police urge anyone with concerns about suspicious activity to contact them or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
