Police have seized nine firearms, more than a kilogram of cannabis and $15,000 in cash during a gang operation in Northcote, Christchurch.

Three King Cobra gang members were arrested following a search of a property on Monday as part of an investigation into the sale of cannabis.

Tactical Operations Manager Inspector Craig Scott said the Gang Disruption Unit carried out the search after an extensive local investigation.

Police seized nine firearms, including pump action and semi automatic shotguns, along with a suppressed and scoped semi automatic rifle.

More than a kilogram of cannabis and $15,000 in cash were also recovered.

Scott said the operation had significantly disrupted what police believed was a gang linked cannabis supply chain.

Three men, aged 20, 20 and 22, from Kaiapoi and Northcote have appeared in court and face charges including possession for supply, unlawful possession of a firearm and driving while disqualified.

They are due to reappear in Christchurch District Court on 1, 15 and 23 October.

Two of the men have been remanded in custody.

Scott said the operation showed how information gathered through a local investigation could develop into a targeted gang operation.

“This was a strong example of information obtained through a local investigation progressing into a targeted gang disruption operation, resulting in the removal of firearms, drugs and suspected criminal proceeds from the community.”

He said firearms and drugs caused significant harm and police relied on information from the public to help disrupt offending.

“When the community and Police collaborate, we can make our communities safer together.”