Police seize assets after drug raid

The police Asset Recovery Unit has seized property valued at about $90,000 after a drug raid in Taranaki last year.

In September officers swooped on four properties in the region in a series of dawn raids targeting the sale and supply of methamphetamine.

About 94g of methamphetamine, with a street value of about $38,000, was seized, along with cash, cannabis and other items that could have been potentially used in the manufacture of the drug.

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.

Last week the Asset Recovery Unit’s investigation determined the man had made a clear profit from this criminal activity, and restrained cash and assets linked to him under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009, including a late model vehicle, Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Alex Macdonald said.

‘‘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,’’ Macdonald said.

‘‘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.’’

Macdonald said police wanted to make it clear they would continue to hold these people to account and the Asset Recovery Unit would work to ensure they did not profit.

The man is next due to appear in New Plymouth District Court on April 29.