8 Sep 2011

Hundreds arrested in drug raids throughout country

3:14 pm on 8 September 2011

Some 311 people have been arrested in drug raids throughout New Zealand.

Police say the arrests are the result of Operation Localise targeting drug-dealing houses, particularly those selling cannabis.

Police executed 301 search warrants and cannabis was found at 44 locations. Officers have seized 32.2kg of cannabis, 19 firearms and $111,154 in cash.

Those arrested face a variety of charges, including conspiracy to supply class A, B and C drugs, receiving stolen property and manufacturing methamphetamine, also known as "P".

Other charges include participating in an organised criminal group, unlawful possession of a firearm, burglary and threatening to kill.

Assistant Commissioner Malcolm Burgess says tinnie houses are hubs for criminal offending and cause misery in communities.

Mr Burgess says some of those arrested will also find themselves subject to new civil forfeiture legislation.