$2.4 million linked to Tribal Huk gang restrained after Hamilton cannabis bust

More than $2 million worth of assets have been seized by police in a major anti-cannabis operation in Hamilton. 

The assets are linked to a senior Tribal Huk gang member and an associate.

A police statement said a 49-year-old man has been charged with possession of cannabis. 

Police said members of the gang have been involved with the sale, supply, and distribution of cannabis in Waikato for a number of years. 

"Their activities are exploiting vulnerable people in our communities," Detective Senior Sergeant Keith Kay said. "They are causing harm to individuals and communities and profiting from it.

Between 2017 and 2019 police conducted eight search warrants at addresses linked to the Tribal Huk gang.

Police said each time search warrants linked to the Tribal Huk gang were carried out, cannabis was located and members or associates were arrested.

They were also charged with offences related to the supply and sale of cannabis.

Det Snr Sgt Kay, of the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Asset Recovery Unit, said organised crime is all about the money.

"When criminals are deprived of their ill-gotten assets this also impacts on their influence in the community," he said.

In addition to this operation, more than $124m has been restrained by police throughout New Zealand in the past 18 months.