Some of the assets that can’t be owned are a Taupiri mansion, NFTs, vehicles, a motorcycle, and cryptocurrency.
During an investigation into a group that was thought to be importing and selling drugs, police found assets worth $1.9 million.
As part of Operation Poapoa, police say that six people were arrested in Waikato and Auckland in June 2022 with the help of search warrants.
After the man’s marijuana business was found, the guys were charged with a number of crimes, including organized crime, selling property, and having a lot of cash.
Under the Criminal Proceedings (Recovery) Act, the Hamilton High Court froze the assets of the two 28-year-old men who were arrested.
Among the valuables were a $680,000 home in Tupiri, $930k in non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and cryptocurrencies, four cars, a Harley Davidson motorcycle, and $47k in cash.
The police have announced a new tool that officers on the front lines can use to check for drugs in real time.
Detective Senior Sergeant Keith Kay of the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Asset Recovery Unit says that asset controls stop criminals from putting the money they made from their crimes back into business.
“These asset restrictions are the result of the ongoing work of our staff to disrupt the operations of those who seek to profit from the sale and supply of illegal drugs and other economically generated crime.”
Police want people to call them at 111 or 105 if they have information or concerns about organized crime or drug distribution in their area.
You can also call Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111 or go online to 105.police.govt.nz to give information without giving your name.
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