Eight people have been arrested in Canterbury in an operation police say targeted a methamphetamine and burglary ring operating throughout the province.
Detective Inspector Greg Williams said on Thursday the arrests came after police noted a significant increase in commercial burglaries in Canterbury since the start of this year.
He said more than 40 commercial burglaries have been attributed to the ring, with the value of the property stolen about $800,000.
Officers executed search warrants on properties in Christchurch and Loburn over the past two days.
Mr Williams said two people arrested have been released on bail, while the other six would appear in the Christchurch District Court on Thursday afternoon charged with participating in a organised criminal group.
Two of these people are also charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply.
