The seizure of cash, gold, guns and luxury cars was “a long time coming”, police say, following a raid in Wellington.
Police said on Saturday after a year-long investigation they spent two days searching two properties, uncovering a “huge haul” including the drug GHL (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), as well as cannabis, 1kg of methamphetamine “in distinctive wrapping” worth about $105,000 and “space vape” liquid.
They also seized more than $100,000 in cash, $50,000 in gold coins, two guns, a “large recycling bin full of copper” and nine classic cars, including a limousine, a Chevrolet Bel Air and a Plymouth Savoy.
Two men have been arrested, aged 53 and 32. They face more than 20 drug-Â and firearm-related charges between them. Police said more charges were likely.
“One of the men has been supplying a wide range of illicit drugs from his property for many years, benefiting off the addiction of others,” Detective Senior Sergeant Lee Underhill said.
“It may have been a long time coming, but we are pleased to have taken these drugs and firearms out of the community, as well as seizing millions of dollars’ worth of assets that I believe are the profits from his illegal enterprise.”
3D-printed firearms were a growing problem, she said, as they presented “a danger in our communities as well as to those who use them. This is just one indicator of the danger that these criminals pose and we will continue to focus our efforts on cracking down on their trade.”
“The view from the top of the hill might have been worth a million dollars, but the cost of alleged criminal activity could prove considerably higher.”
Detective Sergeant Sam Buckley said there had been a noticeable increase in criminals hiding their proceeds “through the purchase of virtual assets, shares and precious metals”.
“This is in addition to the more common methods of investing, through the purchase of vehicles and property.”
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