Timaru Police have arrested nine people and seized drugs and firearms following an operation over the last three days which saw staff execute 10 search warrants across the town.

Aoraki Area Commander Inspector David Gaskin says “these people are causing significant harm in our communities and it won’t be tolerated.”

Along with the arrests four firearms were also seized and a quantity of methamphetamine and cannabis recovered.

One of those arrested has been charged in relation to an aggravated robbery last month.

The 24-year-old man has been charged with aggravated robbery, demanding to steal, conspire to deal methamphetamine, two counts of sale and supply of methamphetamine, three counts of unlawfully carrying a firearm.

He appeared in the Timaru District Court yesterday and has been remanded in custody until November 23.

Additionally, to this nine people face 51 charges on drug and firearm offences and have all appeared before the Timaru District Court over the past two days.

Seven of these people, two women and five men, have been remanded in custody following their court appearances.

Two people who were arrested today are still to appear in court.