Police have seized $2.5 million worth of property, a shotgun and air rifles in a raid on a Porirua-based drug ring this morning.
Ten search warrants were executed following a three-month investigation code named Operation Hive, which centred on the drug-dealing activities of a group living in the suburb of Ascot Park.
During the search, seven cannabis-growing operations were discovered at different properties and more than 100 mature cannabis plants were seized.
Police also seized a substantial quantity of dried cannabis.
The operation recovered more than 20g of methamphetamine and evidence indicating members of the group were importing and selling steroids.
A shotgun and three air rifles were also recovered during the operation, police said.
Detective Inspector Grant Wormald, of the Organised Financial Crime Agency of New Zealand (OFCANZ), said the group had been operating in the area for some time.
Mr Wormald said cannabis was found growing at two properties rented by the group.
"It is concerning that cannabis is being grown in houses rented specifically for that purpose", Mr Wormald said.
"Landlords need to actively manage their properties and not assume that everything is fine at the house just because the tenants pay the rent on time,'' he said.
In addition to the drugs seized this morning, six properties with a total value of $2.5 million were been restrained under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009.
Nine people were to appear in Wellington District Court later today charged with drug-dealing offences.
