Upper North Island police have seized millions of dollars worth of cannabis, assets and property in two "major investigations".
As part of Operation Peruvian, an investigation into large-scale cannabis cultivation in Northland, police say 6500 cannabis plants worth an estimated street value of more than $10 million have been seized and destroyed.
It comes after an investigation into illegal cultivation of cannabis at a rural property in the mid-north, which police allege to be linked to previous offending as part of Operation Bush.
Police say Operation Bush is an ongoing investigation targeting the large-scale commercial cultivation, sale and supply of cannabis, and money laundering.
"Additionally, Police have restrained around $17 million in property, assets and cash in relation to the second phase of Operation Bush."
Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Dunhill, officer in charge of the Upper North money laundering team, says Operation Peruvian was launched under the umbrella of Operation Bush.
"This week’s significant seizures and restraint follow months of investigation into an organised crime group and their alleged associates."
Det Snr Srgt Dunhill said both operations have uncovered several "enormous" commercial growth cultivation across the upper North Island.
A search in Waikato, in relation to Operation Bush, saw "an excess of 1000 cannabis plants" seized and destroyed at a local factory, which police say had recently been converted into a property specialising in growing plants.
Det Snr Srgt Dunhill said four search warrants were executed this week in relation to Operation Peruvian where six people aged between 37 and 54 were arrested. All have appeared in the Kaikohe District Court.
Across both operations, police have arrested 34 people and together are facing more than a hundred charges.
The charges alleged offending across a wide range of serious offences relating to the cultivation and supply of drugs, and money laundering - and police are not ruling out any further arrests.
Det Snr Srgt Dunhill added the restraints involving millions of dollars worth of property, assets, vehicle and cash are "significant".
"They highlight the ongoing work by police to disrupt and dismantle this type of damaging offending in our country."
Police urge anyone with information about suspected money laundering and drug deal in their community to contact them on 105 or anonymously via Crime Stopper on 0800 555 111.
