Five illegal firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine and a stolen generator were seized after searches in Ruatoria and Tokomaru Bay last week. One person was arrested.
Detective Senior Sergeant John Love said the operation followed reports of firearms being used in the area. He said illegal firearms were closely linked to local gang members and other unlawful activity.
During a search in Ruatoria, Police found a loaded firearm in a lounge and a second firearm in a shed at a property occupied by a patched Black Power gang member. At another address in Tokomaru Bay, officers recovered three more firearms, one of which was identified as stolen.
