Luxury performance vehicles, properties, jewellery and cash totalling $10m has been restrained by police after an alleged importation of half a tonne of methamphetamine.
In October 2024, customs and police stopped 515kg of methamphetamine concealed within 42 “hefty” steel beams at the border, which was imported from the US.
At the time, customs said the discovery was New Zealand’s second largest importation of the drug, and up to five men were arrested and facing charges relating to the importation and supply of methamphetamine.
A joint investigation by customs and police then uncovered a "sophisticated criminal operation" allegedly behind the import – which has now resulted in assets being restrained by those allegedly connected to it.
Acting detective senior sergeant Richard Trushell said the investigation involved extensive financial analysis of banking transactions, company records, property holdings, and other financial interests of those allegedly involved.
On the list included $1.4m of luxury vehicles, three residential properties and a commercial property across Waikato and Auckland.
Police said $1.1m in jewellery had also been restrained, along with funds in bank accounts and cash.
"This investigation demonstrates our ability to respond to organised crime extends well beyond just arrests and prosecutions. By targeting the profits and assets derived from criminal offending, we remove the financial incentive that drives organised criminal groups."
Trushell said investigations such as these were "highly complex" and involved "analysing a significant volume of financial material".
Police and customs remained committed to working collaboratively to identify, restrain and recover criminal proceeds, preventing organised crime groups from benefiting from their offending.
Trushell welcomed information about those involved in money laundering or benefiting from the proceeds of crime.
Police said information could be reported through 105 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
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