Police have seized cannabis from five properties around North Canterbury in the last week as officers work to combat drug-related crime.

Police have seized cannabis and firearms during a series of raids at Canterbury properties over the last week.

In the latest incident, police found six large outdoor cannabis plants, a cut down .270 calibre bolt action rifle and a .22 calibre pistol at a house in the Christchurch suburb of Beckenham on Saturday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Stewart said the discovery "highlights the dangers in the community and to police staff when investigating drug-related offending".

A 60-year-old retired man would appear in the Christchurch District Court on April 28, charged with cultivating cannabis and unlawful possession of firearms.

"In this case two illegal firearms have been taken off the street," Stewart said.

"Those in possession of illegal firearms can expect significant police attention as we are focussed on removing this risk in our communities."

Saturday's raid followed several others in North Canterbury over the last week as police continued to crack down on drug-related crime in the region.

Police seized a "small to moderate" amount of cannabis at a property at Tuahiwi, near Rangiora, on Tuesday.

Acting Senior Sergeant Brendon Strieker said the drug seizure was one of the ways police wanted to reassure residents of their "ongoing commitment to the community" in the small North Canterbury settlement.

"We went to a powhiri at the marae last week and heard loud and clear some of the things that are working well and some that aren't working well, and we'll be maintaining a presence in the community."

Police also raided three properties in Okuku, Greta Valley and Waikari on Thursday and made six arrests relating to the growth and supply of cannabis. About 120 plants were retrieved.

Strieker said police would continue to combat drug-related crime in North Canterbury.

"I've made no bones of it; in my tenure here one of my key focuses is organised crime and drugs, because they're the drivers of that volume crime – of your burglaries and your [vehicle break-ins]," he said.