A Central Otago syndicate accused of producing commercial-scale quantities of cannabis and supplying methamphetamine has been dealt a blow after a 70-officer operation, NZ Police says.

Three men face 28 charges following the execution of warrants at properties in Tarras, Cromwell and the Haast area yesterday (Tuesday April 18).

“We have targeted a commercial crime group that’s been causing harm by pumping drugs into Central Otago and the West Coast – solely to make money for the people behind it,” NZ Police district manager criminal investigations detective inspector Shona Low said.

Firearms recovered in the bust. 

The operation, which follows more than a year of planning, is one of the most significant in the area in recent years, she said, and the suspects have close ties to the Central Otago area.

“This is not a police operation targeting small-time growers,” Shona said. “This is not about personal use or low-level offending, this is about large-scale operations who profit from the considerable harm.”

“These communities can be assured that due to this operation’s success, we have dealt a blow to organised criminal activity in the area.”

More than 70 police officers from Christchurch, Dunedin, and the West Coast were enlisted for the operation (dubbed Operation Vintage) including members of the Armed Offenders Squad, the Specialist Search Group, and dogs trained in detecting guns, cash and drugs.

In Haast cannabis plants were found dotted over an 8km area in two large plots and a number of smaller ones.

Police recovered significant quantities of cannabis, 21 firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition in the bust. Cannabis plants were found dotted over an 8km area in two large plots and a number of smaller ones in the Haast bust.

Of those charged: one man faces eight charges related to the sale and supply of cannabis, and the supply of methamphetamine; a second man faces eight charges related to the unlawful possession of firearms, the supply of methamphetamine, the supply of cannabis, and failing to comply; and a third man faces 12 charges related to the supply of methamphetamine, the sale and supply of cannabis, unlawful possession of firearms, and possession of cannabis.

More arrests are likely, Shona said.

PHOTOS: NZ Police