Eastern Waikato Police believe an operation run for several months that terminated in the Coromandel Peninsula yesterday will have seriously dented the illegal drug trade in the area.
Detective Sergeant Glenn Tinsley of the Waihi CIB said six search warrants were carried out in the Coromandel and two in Auckland.
"As a result of these searches firearms, a taser, quantities of dried cannabis, cannabis plants, drug implements and equipment used in the manufacture of methamphetamine were found.
"Of particular interest was the discovery of 1.5kg of a precursor chemical, ContacNT that has an estimated street value of between $55-60,000. Over $62,000 cash was seized as well as two ounces of Methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of about $56,000."
A stolen aluminium boat and a 150hp outboard motor were also recovered.
Mr Tinsley said the operation was carried out with the assistance of the Auckland based Police Eagle helicopter and the Waikato Armed Offenders Squad.
"The reason for the presence of armed Police is the increased frequency of our staff investigating illicit drug activity finding those involved to have armed themselves with illegally obtained firearms.
"Subsequently there is a need to ensure the safety of not only the public and our own staff but the offender as well and this is achieved by having the support of armed staff on hand."
Three Whangamata, one Waihi, one Hikutaia and one Kereta properties were searched during the Coromandel phase of the operation.
As a result of the searches five men and two women face charges ranging from manufacturing, supplying and possession of supply of methamphetamine cultivating and possession of cannabis and illegal possession of firearms.
Further charges are likely.
Mr Tinsley said Police hoped yesterday's activities would send a clear message to the criminal community that their activities were not welcome in the Waikato.
"Increasingly we're finding not only links to the illegal drug and firearms trades but links to dishonesty offending with burglars using your stolen television or other electronic item to fund their drug habits and line the pockets of criminal specialists.
"Often these criminal specialists are members of, or associates of, organised criminal groups, particularly gangs and it's important we stamp out their activities which plague all levels of our community."
Mr Tinsley said things for neighbours, property owners or concerned relatives to look for if they thought someone near them was involved in the illegal drugs trade include;
• chemical odours
• high volumes of traffic (although distribution and sales may take place away from locations used for manufacturing).
• windows blacked out or curtains always drawn
• occupants unfriendly, appear secretive, exhibit paranoid or odd behaviour
• expensive or outlandish security
• denial of access to landlords, neighbours and other visitors
• rubbish containing large amounts of discarded medication containers, bottles/ plastic containers with labels removed, or horticultural supplies
• physical changes in appearance such as rapid weight loss, facial lesions, and frequent scratching of limbs and face
Anyone who has concerns regarding such indicators is asked to contact their nearest Police station. Alternatively information can be left on the CrimeStoppers confidential crimeline, 0800 555111.
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