Senior gang member arrested in drug bust

Auckland police have shut down a large dealing network of cocaine and methamphetamine today, concluding a three-phase investigation over several months.

Police seized 750g of cocaine and $81,000 in cash in the bust and arrested seven men, including a senior patched member of the Hell's Angels Auckland chapter, bringing the total number of arrests in Operation Ceviche to 13.

Detective Senior Sergeant Lloyd Schmid said the cocaine had a street value of more than $300,000.

``It's unusual to achieve such a big domestic seizure.

``Cocaine is usually picked up in much smaller amounts, so today's find is indicative of people who have been heavily involved in persistent, premeditated, career drug dealing.''

Today's find comes after 84g of cocaine was seized earlier this month in the second phase of the operation. Two of the men arrested today had previously been arrested during the second phase.