UPDATE 4.29PM: Police have arrested three men after co-ordinated raids across the Hunter and Port Stephens on Tuesday.
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Detectives seized small amounts of ice and cannabis from a house at Rutherford and a replica pistol and ammunition from a Dungog property.
Officers also confiscated a number of unspecified items from a Gladiators outlaw motorcycle gang clubhouse at Maitland that police say are relevant to their investigation.
Police found 360 grams of a substance believed to be methylamphetamine, an unlicensed pistol and magazines, $17,000 cash and a truck trailer, believed to have been stolen, at a property at Largs.
They seized one kilogram of base amphetamine, 56 grams of methylamphetamine, two shortened pump-action shotguns, $20,000 cash and a number of other items believed to have been used to manufacture illicit drugs from a Port Stephens farm.
Gang Squad investigators, Central Hunter police and other specialist officers conducted the searches as part of a crack-down on the alleged manufacture and distribution of drugs in the Hunter.
EARLIER TODAY: Police have arrested one man after raids on the Portland Street clubhouse of the Gladiator Motorcycle Club in Horseshoe Bend on Tuesday morning.
Police from Strike Force Raptor, the State Crime Command Gangs Squad and Central Hunter police were part of the group that executed search warrants around 9.30am.
The raid was one of a number being executed in the area.
Police believe the man in custody is a member of the club.
He was taken to Maitland Police Station where he is assisting police with their inquiries.
Central Hunter Superintendent Garry O’Dell said a number of things had been named on the search warrant.
“This raid is part of an ongoing investigation," he said. "Further inquiries are being made.”
Earlier, police removed the Gladiator Boulevard sign that was installed on a telegraph pole beneath the official street sign.
The Mercury understands the raid is part of a State Crime Command operation that involves other locations. Further details will not be released until related searches in other areas are complete.
The Mercury received reports earlier this morning of a number of police cars, a mobile command unit and a riot squad vehicle travelling along the New England Highway towards Maitland earlier today
