Nine people have been charged for operating a drug ring supplying and distributing methamphetamine and cannabis.
The nine charged include an individual serving a prison sentence, and a business couple.
Police said the alleged ring-leader was sending instructions from his North Island prison cell using a smuggled mobile phone.
Each week Police intercepted about 25 hours of phone calls, text messages and social media on a phone used by the prisoner.
The operation began in January, with the intercepts carried out over a 30-day period.
All nine face charges related to the supply and distribution of drugs, unlawful possession of ammunition, and money laundering, with all but one charged with participating in an organised criminal group.
Detective Inspector David De Lange said it was brazen offending.
He said Police believe the operation has dealt a significant blow to the flow of drugs in the Hawke’s Bay and will keep money out of the pockets of organised criminals.
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The Central Hawke’s Bay District Council has published the first edition of its Cyclone Gabrielle locality recovery plan.
A series of public meetings held last month helped with the formulation of the plan, with a second round of Community Conversations planned for next month.
The Council says it welcomes feedback at any time, with more information on the plan available on its website.
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Further industrial action from members of the PPTA will see all local secondary students rostered home today.
Tomorrow, Year 13 students will be rostered home due to the ongoing action.
