A Wairoa couple convicted of drug supply in have been ordered to forfeit $800,000 worth of assets and cash by the Gisborne High Court today.
Acting detective Sergeant Shaun Kennard said the order came after a long running investigation by the police asset recovery unit into the activities of Aria Hubbard and her partner, Mongrel Mob Barbarian Motorcycle Club member Samson Edwards.
In April 2021, an investigation was launched into the supply distribution of methamphetamine in Wairoa. In September 2021, the couple were arrested and convicted of multiple charges relating to the supply of methamphetamine.
Police said among the assets forfeited included six properties, five of which were residential and of which was commercial, cash and bank accounts totalling over $153,000, five motor vehicles and a motorbike, a jet ski and trailer, and jewellery.
As part of the 2021 operation, the police asset recovery unit had obtained restraining orders for assets identified as belonging to the couple.
"During the financial investigation, it was established that the couple deposited over $200,000 cash into their bank accounts and spent almost $400,000 cash. The cash was used to facilitate the purchases of vehicles, jewellery and residential property, as well as paying for renovations on the various properties they owned," said Kennard.
Police said some of the property acquired by the couple had been registered in the names of relatives or associates in an apparent attempt to separate themselves from the offending and impact the efforts to identify and seize it.
Kennard added this was an example of police successfully targeting organised crime through both the criminal and civil courts.
"This result will have a significant impact for the Wairoa community. Seeing offenders held to account and stripped of their criminal proceeds should remind the community that Police will continue their efforts to hold offenders to account across Hawke’s Bay.
"Organised crime gangs in Hawke’s Bay cause serious harm to our communities. Police will continue to work to strip organised crime groups and their associates of their wealth earnt from criminal activity."
Police urged businesses to be mindful when accepting significant cash payments from gang members.
"Although often unknowingly, you could be assisting people who are bringing great harm into the community, while you are potentially participating in a money laundering transaction that you or your business may be criminally liable for. We urge businesses to take extra caution," Kennard added.
The Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 allowed police to restrain and forfeit assets acquired or derived from the proceeds of crime.
Once forfeited to the Crown, police said proceeds will be used for initiatives such as projects aimed at reducing the harmful effects of drug and organised crime in the Hawke's Bay community.
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