Police have expressed concern for the wellbeing of children, after a major drug sting in the Waikato.
Thirty people have been arrested, and are facing 87 charges relating to drugs, firearms and stolen property.
Police searched 14 properties, including one near a kindergarten and another at which bags used for children's lunches were also used to package drugs.
They recovered 80 tinnies of cannabis at one Hamilton property, with drugs packaged in the same elmo-themed plastic bags that the criminal group used to give sandwiches to school children.
Detective Sergeant Kristine Clarke said the operation found a clear link between the gangs, and the sale of methamphetamine and cannabis.
"Of particular concern was a property located next to a kindergarten, where drugs were being dealt, gang regalia was displayed and an illegal shotgun was located," Detective Sergeant Clarke said.
"Police will allege that, in many cases, children were living in an environment where methamphetamine and cannabis were being sold openly from their homes."
Police are working alongside Oranga Tamariki to ensure the ongoing safety of those children.
Detective Sergeant Neville Ross was concerned about the three illegal firearms recovered from the alleged drug dealers' properties.
"No good can come from drug dealers and gang members being in unlawful possession of firearms," he said.
"In many cases, we have found they are used for protection and intimidation, which puts innocent lives at risk, including children."
He said police want to help people escape the cycle of drug addiction, and urged them to seek help from police or other social agencies.
Newshub.
