Northland Police have arrested 15 people in an operation targeting methamphetamine and gangs.
In the early hours of this morning police carried out search warrants at 11 addresses in the Whangärei area.
More than 40 officers from Whangärei and two dog handlers from Auckland, whose dogs specialise in drug searches, were involved in the operation.
During the searches three point bags of methamphetamine, 4 ounces of cannabis, drug utensils, $1000 stolen property and $7000 cash were found.
Six motor vehicles, electronic surveillance equipment and four large screen televisions were also seized in lieu of unpaid fines.
The majority of people arrested are associates of the Head Hunters gang and are alleged to have been involved in the illegal manufacture and supply of methamphetamine for over a considerable period of time.
They will be appearing in the Whangärei District Court today and tomorrow facing more than 300 serious drugs charges including supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, conspiracy to supply methamphetamine, supplying cannabis and burglary.
Senior Sergeant Rob HUYS, who co-ordinated the operation, said the termination was a success in that some of the key players in the drug trade have been apprehended.
In the weeks leading up to this operation, a number of related search warrants were also executed during which a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory was located near Whangärei and $24000 cash located at another address.
Mr HUYS says people need to be aware that police will come down hard on anyone who gets involved in the manufacturing and supplying illicit drugs.
"We will continue to target these people and are prepared to put considerable resources into tracking them down and holding them accountable for their offending."
Mr HUYS says illicit drugs and gangs such as the Head Hunters, play havoc with our communities, particularly young people, and the community needs to stand up and help police reduce the harm that drugs are causing.
While drugs may not affect some people directly, other crime associated with them such as burglary and theft, does affect many people.
If anyone has information relating to the manufacture and supply of illicit drugs they can contact their local police or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
For further information contact Northland Police Communications Officer Sarah KENNETT on 09 430 4525 or 027 494 1214.