GISBORNE (New Zealand) — Four Singaporeans have been arrested and charged in New Zealand following a major drug bust in Gisborne, a city on the northeastern part of the North Island.

The four have been charged with importing 700 grams of methamphetamine, and were among 41 people rounded up by police, the New Zealand Herald reported on Wednesday (April 13).

Police also seized eight properties, bank accounts, vehicles, 400 grams of methamphetamine, firearms, cash and cannabis that came up to an estimated NZ$3.8 million (S$3.6 million).

The arrests culminated an eight month-long investigation into the methamphetamine trade around Gisborne. The 41 arrested are facing a total of 245 charges of importing a Class A drug, conspiracy to sell, selling and possession of methamphetamine for supply and cannabis dealing. The suspects have appeared in the Gisborne and Auckland District Courts over the last nine days, the New Zealand Herald reported.

An unspecified number of children of varying ages were found living in the properties raided by the police. These children have been referred to government agencies.