A Police Asset Recovery Unit investigation into the proceeds from illicit drugs in the Taranaki area has resulted in the restraint of property last week worth about $90,000.
In September 2019, Police working on an operation targeting the sale and supply of methamphetamine executed search warrants at four properties in Taranaki.
Around 94g of methamphetamine, with a street value of about $38,000, was seized, along with an amount of cash, cannabis and other items that could have been potentially used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
A 32-year-old man was arrested at a New Plymouth address and he has been charged with possession for supply of methamphetamine and a number of other drug-related charges.
The Police Asset Recovery Unit¡¯s investigation has found that the man has made a clear profit from this criminal activity, and last week the unit restrained cash and assets linked to him under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009, including a late model vehicle.
¡°Even in the current unique environment, Police, including the Asset Recovery Unit, will continue to target criminals involved in crime, including the sale of illicit drugs,¡± says Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Alex Macdonald.
¡°We are well aware that vulnerable people will continue to be exploited by those trying to profit by spreading harm in our communities, even during such extraordinary times as this.
¡°We want to be very clear that Police will continue to hold these people to account and the Asset Recovery Unit will work to ensure they do not profit.¡±
The man is next due to appear in New Plymouth District Court on 29 April.
ENDS
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