A pump action shotgun, cash and more than half a kilogram of cocaine were seized in a police operation targeting drug suppliers in Matamata-Piako.

The gun and the half-kilo and five 1-ounce (28g) bags of cocaine were found at a Matamata address, police said. A further 3 ounces of cocaine and $20,000 were seized from a Cambridge address on Wednesday morning.

“The two warrants executed today are the result of an investigation into the supply of drugs in the area,” said Detective Sergeant Ben Norman.

“Police will remain focused on targeting gang members involved in the distribution of illicit drugs, aiming to remove these harmful drugs from our communities.

“Police simply will not tolerate gangs making money from inflicting misery on our communities. ,” said Norman.

“They feed people’s addiction, and that in turn fuels crime, with people stealing to feed their habit.

“The supply of illegal drugs causes untold harm and we will do everything we can to tackle it.”

A 39-year-old man has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in the Hamilton District Court on 28 July 28, facing drug and firearms charges.

More charges were being considered for a person found at the Cambridge address.