Source: New Zealand Police
Hawke’s Bay Police have arrested two people and seized over $700,00 of assets and cash following an investigation into the sale and supply of drugs in the area.
Detective Owen McCool says several search warrants were executed across Napier and Hastings last week.
“Armed police were in attendance during the search, and the investigation brought together specialist staff from across the district.
“The searches uncovered methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis, and synthetics packaged for sale.”
Over $5,000 cash, two unlawful firearms and ammunition were also found, with all the items being seized.
Detective Sergeant Shaun Kennard says among the assets ordered restrained under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 are:
- A residential property
- Cash and bank accounts totalling over $100,000
- Three motor vehicles, including a drift car and a motorbike
In 2025, the Eastern District Police Organised Crime Unit commenced Operation Sleep, an investigation into the supply and distribution of controlled drugs by a couple in the Hawke’s Bay.
The couple, a 34-year-old man and 34-year-old woman were arrested and charged with multiple counts of supplying and possession for supply of drugs.
They will appear in Hastings District Court on 8 September.
Enquiries are ongoing, and further charges haven’t been ruled out.
As part of the termination of the operation, the Police Asset Recovery Unit obtained restraining orders for assets identified as belonging to the couple.
“This is an example of Police targeting organised crime through both criminal and civil courts,” says acting Detective Sergeant Shaun Kennard.
“By targeting illicit benefits obtained by drug offending, the offenders are denied the success of their offending and removes their ability to expand their offending.
“Seeing offenders held accountable and stripped of their criminal proceedings should remind the community that Police will continue their efforts to hold these offenders to account across the region.
“Organised crime and gangs cause serious harm to our communities. Police will continue to work to strip organised crime groups and their associates of their wealth earnt from criminal activity.”
The Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 allows Police to restrain and forfeit assets acquired or derived from the proceeds of crime.
Once forfeited to the Crown, the proceeds can be directed towards initiatives that help reduce the harmful impacts of frug-related and organised crime in the community, supporting efforts to create safer and more resilient communities.
Illegal drugs cause significant harm to individuals, families and communities. Reducing that harm requires a collective effort, and Police continue to encourage anyone with information about drug-related offending to come forward.
If you are aware of suspicious activity involving drugs, call 111 if it is happening now, or report information after the fact via 105.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/25/over-700000-of-assets-and-cash-restrained-following-operation-termination-in-hawkes-bay/