Police in Marlborough raided five houses simultaneously this morning searching for drugs, including neighbouring properties in Elizabeth Street Police believe have been operating as tinnie houses for some time.
Search warrants were also executed at Budge Street, Scott Street and also in Picton. A further two houses were searched this afternoon in Blenheim.
As a result 10 adults and one youth have been arrested and will face a range of drug related charges. They will appear in court tomorrow.
Class A, B and C drugs including cannabis, cannabis oil, prescription medicines, methamphetamine and stolen property were recovered during the searches.
Marlborough Area Commander Inspector Simon Feltham said Police had been involved in an intensive street cleanup involving a wide range of community groups a week ago in Gasgoine Street.
"Today we've moved around the corner and are continuing to clean up the neighbourhood," he said.
"We have made a major impact on the drug dealing network in Riversdale and hope that the residents do not have to endure these activities any further."
Forty four Police staff were involved in today's operation, including a drug detection dog from Christchurch.
Of particular concern to Police was the presence of young children and babies at several of the addresses.
"Adults make decisions which they have to take responsibility for, but children and babies have no choice about the environment they are in. It is reprehensible that these offenders have placed children and babies in this dangerous environment," Inspector Feltham said.
He said Child Youth and Family was assisting Police to ensure the safety of the children.
Inspector Feltham said today's operation was the culmination of months of investigation by Marlborough staff.
"We want the community to be assured that we are always monitoring the activities of people engaged in illegal activities and our intention is to continue to proactively target these people."
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