[ad_1]
According to IRD records, the man had a legitimate annual income for the past six years of about $5,400.
His partner had a legitimate annual income of about $9,000 for the past seven years.
In March, police executed search warrants at several addresses associated with the couple.
The man was subsequently charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply, possession in an organized criminal group, unlawful possession of a firearm and computer default.
Police seized $61,495 in cash from a Louis Vuitton purse at the address the couple rented, plus $3,668 in cash from another address at that address.
They also found a money counting device, a gun, ammunition and several mobile phones.
Analysis of encrypted messages on the man’s phones revealed deals involving 11 kg of methamphetamine with a purchase price of more than $1.35 million.
In addition to the cash, police seized two homes, a 1970 Ford Saloon, a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro, a 2016 Mazda ute and a 2019 Harley Davidson.
The Police Commissioner applied to the High Court of New Zealand for a restraining order against the seized items under the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery) Act.
The trustee claims the couple led a lifestyle that was out of line with their income levels, including expensive holidays and extensive property renovations.
Judge Karen Grau said there were reasonable grounds to believe the couple had unlawfully benefited from significant criminal activity and granted the application for a restraining order, which expires next July.
The man is next due to appear in the Manukau District Court in February.
[ad_2]