A home, a drift car and a motorbike are among the $700,000 in assets seized by police an operation leading to the arrest of a Hawke's Bay couple accused of dealing methamphetamine, cocaine and cannabis.
Armed police executed a series of search warrants across Napier and Hastings last week, completing an investigation dubbed Operation Sleep that began in 2025.
Detective Owen McCool said the raids drew on staff from across the district.
"The searches uncovered methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis, and synthetics packaged for sale," he said.
Officers also found more than $5000 in cash, two unlawful firearms and ammunition, all of which was seized.
Among the assets ordered to be restrained under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 are a residential property, cash and bank accounts worth $100k, and three vehicle.
A 34-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman have each been charged with multiple counts of supplying and possession for supply. They are due in Hastings District Court on September 8.
Acting detective sergeant Shaun Kennard said the case showed police working through both the criminal and civil courts.
"By targeting illicit benefits obtained by drug offending, the offenders are denied the success of their offending and removes their ability to expand their offending," he said.
Kennard said the message was aimed wider than the couple.
"Organised crime and gangs 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."
Inquiries are continuing and further charges have not been ruled out.
SHARE ME