Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Police in Wellington have made 73 arrests, seized more than $500,000 in drugs and a number of firearms following a covert operation.

At least half of those arrested following the three-month operation are believed to be drug dealers.

Property searches in Wellington, Porirua, the Hutt Valley and Wairarapa uncovered cannabis plants, LSD, ecstasy and methamphetamine.

Detective Senior Sergeant Darrin Thomson, of Wellington, says 650 tabs of LSD were found at one property alone.

Two shotguns were also seized - a firearm with silencer and a stun gun.

Mr Thomson says none of the properties were manufacturing methamphetamine or P as it is commonly known, but it was clearly being used.