A man has been charged with a raft of offences, including drugs and firearms charges, after police searched an address in Whakatane.

They located a large amount of stolen property from a number of recent burglaries in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato areas.

The property was located following during the execution of a search warrant, as part of an operation to target drug and dishonesty offending in the district.

Tens of thousands of dollars of property was located at the address, including a large number of power tools, chainsaws, electronic equipment, a stand-up paddleboard and a vehicle transporter trailer.

A 33-year-old man will reappear in the Whakatane District Court on September 20 on charges of receiving stolen property, a number of drug offences, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Enquiries are ongoing to return the items to their owners, and to identify the offenders responsible for the burglaries.

Eastern Bay of Plenty area investigations manager Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Standen says police will continue to target drugs and dishonesty offending in the area, as well as those who profit from these crimes.

'Anyone with information that could assist us, or anyone who witnesses any suspicious activity, is urged to contact their local police station.

'Alternatively, information can be reported to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”