Police seize firearms, ammunition and drugs in major South Island gang operation

Police have seized firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine, cannabis and synthetic drugs in a major operation in the South Island

Acting Detective Sergeant Matt Wyatt, of Invercargill, said in a statement 11 people have been arrested after a series of search warrants across the Southern District.

The 11 arrested include gang members and associates.

Eight warrants were executed during the past 10 days in Queenstown, Invercargill and Gore, targeting organised criminal networks.

"These warrants have been part of our continued efforts to reduce crime and harm in our communities," Det Sgt Wyatt said.

Those arrested included 10 men - aged 50, 54, 38, 60, 30, 21, 24, 29, 31, 44, and a 30-year-old woman.

Police say the arrests and seizures have helped disrupt, deter and dismantle organised criminal networks in the Southern District.

It was pleasing to have made a dent in local organised crime groups, Det Sgt Wyatt said.

"This all helps contribute to our communities being safe and feeling safe."

On Thursday, police said in a statement a year-long investigation into the activities of the Comanchero biker gang had concluded, as a number of search warrants were earlier executed.

Police seized $3.7 million in assets in the major organised crime operation.

Newshub.