As stated by Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Nick O'Brien of the Waikato / Bay of Plenty Asset Recovery Unit:
The first forfeiture from the major Police operation targeting methamphetamine supply in Kawerau has been completed.
Operation Notus, is the award winning six month long covert investigation by NOCG and Bay of Plenty staff, into methamphetamine supply in Kawerau and other towns in the eastern Bay of Plenty that began in October 2017.
Over 50 people were arrested, including senior members of the Kawerau Mongrel Mob leadership during the investigation which served as a massive blow to organised crime.
The Tauranga High Court has now ordered the forfeiture of a residential property in Kawerau and the proceeds from the sale of a Ford Ranger ute, both bought with money obtained through significant criminal activity, namely from the sale and supply of methamphetamine and cannabis.
The judgement states that the two items are tainted from being funded through significant criminal activity. The approximate value of these items are $420,000.
"While the dollar value of these items might not be significant compared to other forfeitures, it is the impact this will have within the Kawerau community that is most significant.
"We are acutely aware of the negative impacts and social harm caused by the sale and supply of illicit drugs, particularly in small communities such as Kawerau."
Operation Notus was hugely significant as the gang was preying on Kawerau community members and profiting from their own whānau and friends' addiction through the distribution and supply of these drugs.
This forfeiture shows that even after an initial termination, Police are still looking to target those criminals who are continuing to prey on vulnerable communities and strip them of their assets.
We want to reassure our communities that Police will continue to target and disrupt groups and individuals that align themselves with them who profit from the proceeds of crime.
Anyone who is aware of or concerned about criminal activity in their communities, particularly that of the sale and supply of methamphetamine is asked to contact Police, either on 105 or anonymously on 0800 Crime Stoppers.
