Police take $10m of luxury cars, properties in meth bust across Waikato, Auckland
A multi million dollar list of assets has been restrained after an attempted importation of methamphetamine while a separate operation also found links to the Mongols gang
After more than half a tonne of methamphetamine was seized, police restrained a $10 million list of assets.
Police said the list included $1.4 million dollars of luxury vehicles, as well as three residential and a commercial property across Waikato and Auckland.
Around $1.1 million dollars in jewellery was also restrained, on top of funds in bank accounts and cash.
In October 2024 authorities seized around 515 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed inside 42 steel beams allegedly imported from the United States.
A parallel investigation then took place in the Northern Asset Recovery Unit restraining assets for those allegedly connected to the operation under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act.
Officer in charge, Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Richard Trushell said the investigation included "extensive financial analysis of banking transactions, company records, property holdings, and other financial interests of those allegedly involved".
Trushell said asset recovery was an important part in disrupting these criminal enterprises.
"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," he said.
"Investigations like these are highly complex and involve analysing a significant volume of financial material, so it is pleasing to get to this point."
Police said they cannot provide any further information as the criminal proceedings against the people charged are before the courts.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Trushell welcomed information about those involved in money laundering or benefiting from the proceeds of crime.
Meth ring disrupted, links found to Mongols gang
A five month-long police operation disrupted a methamphetamine importation ring, and shut down the North Island pad for the Mongols gang.
Five people associated to the Mongols Outlaw Motorcycle Gang North Island Chapter now face serious charges in court.
They include:
- a senior officer holder, 45, charged with four counts of importing a class A controlled drug, two counts of conspires to import class A controlled drug, and unlawfully possessing ammunition.
- a gang prospect, 42, charged with two counts of importing class A controlled drug
- a gang prospect, 33, charged with prohibited display of gang insignia
- an associate, 43, charged with cultivates cannabis
- a 58-year-old woman, an associate of the gang, has been charged with two counts of importing a class A controlled drug, and two counts of conspiring to import a class A controlled drug.