More than 800 cannabis plants and a mobile meth lab were discovered during the Southern police's annual crackdown on drugs earlier this year.
Dozens of people face charges following the sting in which nine firearms and more than $22,500 in cash were recovered.
Southern district criminal investigations manager Detective Inspector Steve Wood said the discoveries, carried out over several months as part of the national Operation Sam, would put a dent in organised crime in the South and limit the harm caused by illegal substances on the street.
The ''clan lab'' - clandestine laboratory - was discovered in an unoccupied vehicle in Invercargill during the operation.
Meth labs were uncommon in the Southern district, with only a handful discovered during the past decade.
Det Insp Wood said no charges had been laid in relation to the lab but inquiries were ongoing.
''This was located in a vehicle of a person who has been identified by police.
''Police are still working with ESR and gathering more information regarding the circumstances - there have been no charges laid relating to this specifically at this stage,'' he said.
Small amounts of methamphetamine were also discovered during the operation.
Southern district police recently launched a methamphetamine action plan involving crime services, prevention and intelligence.
''[It] will increase pressure on the meth market, while working with partner agencies like Customs, health and social agencies and the community to prevent harm and ensure the safety of our neighbourhoods and rural areas.''
During the operation, 827 cannabis plants were discovered in the Southern district.
Police identified 67 offenders in relation to the discoveries, 183 charges were laid and 22 warnings issued.
“The seizure of drugs, assets and firearms will put a dent in organised crime in [the] Southern district and help limit the harm caused to the general public,'' Det Insp Wood said.
“We know that the demand for illegal drugs is fuelled by other crimes such as burglary.
By disrupting the spread of illegal drugs and seizing assets we are helping prevent other crimes occurring and having a negative effect on the wider community.
“Similarly, any reduction in the amount of illegal drugs making their way on to Southern streets will help limit the social harm it causes.
“We continue to also focus on helping provide support options to those addicted to harmful drugs,'' Det Insp Wood said.
Operation Sam by the numbers.
827 cannabis plants pulled.
67 offenders identified.
113 charges laid for drug supply.
35 for drug cultivation.
11 for drug possession.
Two for drug manufacture.
Two firearms charges.
One mobile "clan lab'' uncovered.
Seven rifles and two handguns seized.
More than $22,500 in cash seized.
SOURCE: NZ POLICE
