Police in Wellington have arrested 16 people believed to be involved in a methamphetamine ring.
More than 30 officers executed about a dozen search warrants in Wellington city, the Hutt Valley and the Kapiti coast.
Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson says the chemicals seized at one house alone, would have yielded 600 grams of methamphetamine, valued at about $500,000.
He says several firearms were found.
Five children were living at the houses. They have been referred to Child, Youth & Family.
Seven women and nine men aged between 27 - 60 years, were charged and appeared in Wellington District Court this week.
