Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

South Auckland police have seized up to $70,000 worth of cannabis and methamphetamine and stolen property in a three month gang-related operation.

Twenty people aged between 16 and 50 were arrested after search warrants were executed on Wednesday morning.

Detective Inspector John Timms says most of those arrested were members of the Black Power gang in Papakura but one was a member of the Mongrel Mob.

He says young children were at the addresses searched and the Child, Youth and Family service was called in to look after them.

Those arrested will appear in court on Thursday facing numerous drug-related charges.

Other raids

Nelson Bays region police say they have seized cannabis with a street value of $100,000 in the Motueka district.

Senior Sergeant Grant Andrews says 30 officers also seized three firearms and $7000 in cash when they raided 23 properties on Wednesday morning.

Eighteen people have been arrested and will appear in Nelson District Court over the next three weeks.

Another 13 people have been arrested following a series of drug raids in Manawatu and Wanganui.

Quantities of cannabis and methamphetamine were found in searches by the police.