Gore police have charged seven people with 37 offences, after executing 19 search warrants

Southland Area Commander Inspector Mike Bowman says the targeted operation focused on individuals accused of unlawfully possessing and supplying firearms - after several incidents this year.

He says it's a part of an effort to target and disrupt firearms offending.

The accused, aged 30 to 44, will reappear in Gore District Court in the coming months.