Houses paid by drug sales seized

Gavel and sound block

Two residential addresses in Whakatane with a combined value in excess of $500,000 have been restrained by order of the High Court at Rotorua.

These properties were restrained pursuant to the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery Act) 2009 on the basis that they were paid for from the sale of cannabis.

Detective Sergeant Darren Thomas of the Whakatane police sai that on two separate occasions in 2014 police executed search warrants at a Whakatane 'drug dealing house'. The occupants of this address sold cannabis at the door to multiple buyers every day.

During the execution of these search warrants police located a large amount of cannabis along with a large amount of cash and other evidence which indicated that this 'drug dealing house' was a commercial operation.

A female occupant of this address aged 55 years and a male aged 48 years were both convicted of cannabis dealing offences and both received prison sentences.

It appears at present that significant income has been earned from the sale of cannabis and enquiries are continuing into the source of income earned.

A financial investigation was carried out to establish the extent of the benefit obtained through the criminal activity identified. This investigation was carried out by the NZ Police Asset Recovery Unit.

The Rotorua High Court last week ordered that two residential properties in Whakatane be restrained and they are now in the custody of the Official Assignee whilst the financial investigation continues towards a potential forfeiture application to the High Court.

Detective Sergeant Thomas said that the police will continue to target criminals involved in the sale of controlled drugs.

"The aim is to continue to dismantle and disrupt criminal enterprises benefitting from the profits earned through crime, preventing the harm caused to the community from these criminal activities."