A criminal gang crackdown has seen assets valued at more than $1.9 million seized by police, including cryptocurrency and NFTs.
The items have been restrained from two men who were arrested as part of a police operation into drug dealings.
The pair, both 28, were among six men arrested following search warrants in Waikato and Auckland as part of Operation Poapoa back in June 2022. The police operation targeted an organised criminal group allegedly importing and distributing class A, B and C drugs.
The men are facing a range of charges, including participating in organised crime, and selling and supplying class A and B drugs.
The Hamilton High Court has also ordered the restraint of the two men's Taupiri home, valued at $680,000, as well as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and cryptocurrency, purchased for $930,812, four vehicles, a Harley Davidson motorcycle and $47,000.
"Police secured restraining orders for these assets pursuant to the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009," Waikato/Bay of Plenty Asset Recovery Unit Detective Senior Sergeant Keith Kay said.
"Methamphetamine and other illicit drugs cause immense harm across our communities and are the drivers of crime, creating victims and distress throughout society.
"The Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act enables Police to not only recover criminal proceeds, but also prevents criminals from reinvesting the proceeds of their crime to cause more harm."
Police welcome information from anyone who has concerns about organised crime or the supply of illicit drugs in their community.
They are encouraged to report online at 105.police.govt.nz, call Police on 111 or 105, or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org.
