Firearms, meth, cannabis, cash seized in Southland police raids

Some of the drugs and cash seized.
Some of the drugs and cash seized. Photo credit: NZ Police / Supplied

Southland police have seized firearms, meth, cannabis and cash following a week-long operation targeting organised crime.

Seven people have been arrested and charged, four vehicles have been impounded, three firearms taken and a "quantity" of drugs seized following several searches.

"The last few months have been very unsettling for residents of Invercargill and the wider Southland region," says Inspector Mike Bowman, Southland Area Commander.

"We have had three tragic homicides, as well as other serious crime, and people have been understandably concerned.

"As we head into the holiday season, I hope the results of this week's operation provide our residents with the assurance that we remain absolutely focused on combatting the criminal elements that seek to profit from harming our communities."

Inspt Bowman says police will have a "real focus" on preventing crimes like burglaries and thefts from cars over the holiday period.