Several people from the Waikato and King Country face dozens of charges following the culmination of an eight month long Police drug operation.
Detective Sergeant Steve Hudson of the Te Kuiti CIB said a 47-year-old Putaruru man and his 42-year-old de-facto partner were arrested after Police searched their property off SH1 under the Misuse of Drugs Act yesterday.
"During the search officers discovered an indoor cannabis growing operation and recovered 105 cloned plants of varying maturity. A small amount of methamphetamine was also found.
"In addition 27 firearms and a large supply of ammunition were seized. The male owner of the property holds a firearms licence and his suitability in terms of retaining his licence will be a focus of follow up inquiries."
There were three pistols and several rifles and shotguns among the weapons seized.
The couple face multiple charges including possession of cannabis for supply and cultivating cannabis and will appear in the Tokoroa District Court today on those and other drug related charges.
Mr Hudson said yesterday's search follows on from earlier searches of King Country properties by Western Waikato Police on Monday.
"In addition to the Putaruru couple six Otorohanga residents were arrested, including three members of the same family who face charges of selling cannabis, possessing cannabis for sale and offering to sell cannabis."
The various charges include a man charged with possession of cannabis and cannabis oil for sale and the selling of both illicit drug items.
"The man was also charged with illegal possession of ammunition and utensils for the use of methamphetamine and cannabis," said Mr Hudson.
Two Otorohanga women also face drugs charges, one for possession of cannabis for supply and the other the same charge as well as selling cannabis and offering the same for sale.
"Disturbingly for Police we again encountered people in possession of firearms and/ or ammunition involved in illegal drug activity.
"Such activity puts not only the public at risk but Police and offenders as well as officers have to factor in the risk of firearms when planning how to deal with the problem."
Mr Hudson said the success of operations such as yesterday's are a product of effective partnerships between the Police and the community.
"We encourage the public to make contact with Police if they notice any suspicious activity, anonymously if necessary. The rule of thumb is if it appears suspicious it probably is," he said.
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