Three are men from Wanaka, three are men from Alexandra, and one is a woman from Alexandra.
Detective Senior Sergeant Colin Blackie, the officer in charge of rural Otago's CIB, said cannabis leaf and plants (class C), cannabis oil (class B), and LSD (class A), were the drugs involved in the operation, which targeted people involved in drug dealing throughout Central Otago and Wanaka.
"The mainly drug-related charges include selling, supplying, and offering to supply class A, B, and C controlled drugs; manufacturing class B drugs; cultivation of class C drugs; possession and possession for supply of class A and C drugs; possession of drug instruments; permitting premises to be used for the commission of offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act; and an offence against the Arms Act for unlawful possession of explosives," Det Snr Sgt Blackie said in a statement.
Operation Helix was not linked to previous drug busts by Otago police, including Operation Dove in June.
That operation culminated in Central Otago, Wanaka, and Queenstown residents being arrested and charged for similar drug-related offending.
Operation Helix, with 31 police staff in the later stages, led to the recovery of an "as yet undetermined" amount of class B and C drugs, utensils, and ammunition, Det Snr Sgt Blackie said.
Police, including a Dunedin dog handler and a police dog, executed 14 search warrants in Alexandra and Wanaka.
"We have identified key people alleged to be involved in drug dealing within our community. The arrest of these people will have a significant impact on organised crime in the region... We hope the flow-on effects of reduced crime will make Central Otago and surrounding areas a safer community to live in," he said.
Those charged will appear in the Alexandra District Court in coming weeks.
*See tomorrow's ODT for details
