Police yesterday executed six simultaneous search warrants on addresses in Kaikoura, recovering guns, drugs and other items of interest.
Senior Sergeant Ciaran Sloan of Blenheim Police said the raids were the first phase of a three month operation.
Seven people were arrested and were to appear in the Blenheim District Court today. Further arrests are likely.
Senior Sergeant Sloan said he was confident yesterday's operation had effectively disrupted a small organised crime group.
The operation utilised staff from across Tasman Police District, with 25 police descending on Kaikoura for the operation.
Tasman District Commander Superintendent Richard Chambers said the operation was a good example of the ability as a District to move staff around to effectively combat crime.
"We've deployed a big resource to Kaikoura using staff from outside the area to ensure we make a significant dent on organised crime," Superintendent Chambers said.
"I'm hoping these people will pick up on our clear message that we are not tolerating their behaviour in our communities. Our policing focus is on preventing crime and we will be relentless in keeping these groups under the microscope to ensure they are seriously limited in their activities."
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