Continuing pressure by Police on criminal groups earning their living from the illegal proceeds of drugs has resulted in the arrest of two gang members in Hamilton.
These arrests follow the search of 40 properties in and around the city last week that resulted in over 50 people being charged for drugs, firearms and property related offences.
Detective Sergeant Graham Pitkethley of the Waikato Crime Control Unit said yesterday's searches were carried out in conjunction with the District's Armed Offenders Squad.
"In cases such as these we need to be adequately prepared to meet any circumstances that arise and frequently those involved in the illicit drug trade are armed with illegally obtained firearms.
"As things turned out a quantity of ammunition was recovered in yesterday's searches and several firearms were found during last week's operation."
Over three ounces of methamphetamine were found during the Melville searches with an estimated street value in excess of $40,000. In addition three ounces of cannabis and over $6,000 in cash was also found.
"With methamphetamine being what is known as a 'poly-drug' it is not uncommon to encounter other drugs when we execute search warrants looking for 'P'," said Mr Pitkethley.
"A Class A controlled drug, methamphetamine is often referred to as 'P' which is a colloquialism for 'Pure'. This denotes the drug's high purity and it is currently one of the most expensive and widely available illegal narcotics in this country."
Both men have been charged with selling methamphetamine and the possession and supplying of cannabis and Police believe further charges are likely.
Mr Pitkethley said the earlier search warrants had recovered not only illegal drugs but over $10,000 of stolen property and a stolen car.
But it is the continuing willingness of drug dealers to arm themselves that is of serious concern to Police.
"Last year we frequently raised the issue of the correlation between the illegal gun and illicit drug trades in this country and what we found yesterday and last week reinforces our concerns."
Mr Pitkethley said his staff had no intention of letting up on drug dealers in the Waikato.
"Like our colleagues around the country Waikato Police will continue to apply pressure on those involved in the illegal drug trade as we seek to reduce the threat posed to Kiwi families by the scourge of these drugs."
Note to media; as outline in the release the inquiry team is carrying out ongoing inquiries and is subsequently not available for further comment at this stage.