Police say they have arrested 41 people and seized property worth $3.8 million after an eight-month investigation into the methamphetamine trade in the Gisborne area.
In a sting carried out last week, police searched 37 properties in Gisborne and one in Rotorua. As a result, 245 charges of importing a Class A drug have been laid.
Those arrested include patched Black Power and Mongrel Mob members.
The accused have appeared in the Gisborne and Auckland District Courts over the last nine days.
Four Singapore nationals have been charged over the importation of 700g of methamphetamine or 'P', which police say was destined for the Gisborne and East Coast market.
Police also seized cannabis, firearms and cash and have restrained eight properties in the Gisborne area, several bank accounts and vehicles.
"This is a serious problem not just for police, but for the local community as a whole," says Detective Sergeant Kevin Ford.
"[There were] children were of various ages who had been living in houses where the drug was being used and dealt.
"This is an appalling situation and we ask the community to make a stand against this insidious drug and the effects it is having on their lives. We can't do it alone."
The families of children involved in the operation have been referred to Child Youth and Family.
Newshub.
