Source: New Zealand Police
Police have seized about $680,000 worth of assets following the conviction of a New Plymouth man on drug manufacturing and supply charges.
In 2019, an investigation into the manufacturing and distribution of illicit drugs into the community resulted in Police executing two search warrants.
Police’s National Clandestine Laboratories Response Team located eight LSD tablets, 94 grams of methamphetamine, and 82 grams of cannabis.
About $56,000 cash was found hidden around the property.
While the investigation into this unlawful activity continued, a new investigation was launched in 2021 by the New Plymouth Criminal Investigation Branch.
One night in April, an unconscious woman was brought to New Plymouth Police Station by a taxi driver.
Police spoke to a man at the property where she had been picked up from, who later admitted giving the woman GHB that had been mixed with alcoholic drink.
The address was searched, locating over $45,000 cash, and a scene examination was conducted.
Police located a series of items, and it was determined the items were used at the property in the process of manufacturing methamphetamine.
In November 2022, Marlon John Bird was sentenced to five years and three months imprisonment in relation to the offending in 2019 and 2021.
Central Asset Recovery Unit Detective Sergeant Sam Buckley says the investigation into the man’s activities continued after the sentencing.
“Our investigation established the man’s assets were derived through unlawful and illicit means, allowing him to live a lifestyle beyond legitimate means.”
On 8 September 2025, the New Plymouth High Court issued a forfeiture order for a number of the man’s assets.
“These assets included a New Plymouth property, a 2014 Ford Ranger, over $100,000 in cash, and over $36,000 held in bank accounts.
“Once forfeited to the Crown, proceeds will be used within the community, such as projects aimed at reducing methamphetamine harm in the Taranaki area.”
Central District’s Field Crime Manager Detective Inspector Gerard Bouterey says this outcome sends a clear message.
“We want the community to know we are committed to identifying and apprehending those who manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and other controlled drugs.
“This is an excellent result for the Taranaki community and is another example of district Police collaborating with our national workgroups to achieve this sort of outcome.
“These seizures are the result of Police’s sustained efforts to disrupt the supply of controlled drugs in the community and dismantle the financial incentives that drive this offending.
“We will continue to put resources into these investigations and ensure that any profits or assets gained through criminal activity are taken from those responsible,” says Detective Inspector Bouterey.
“Methamphetamine causes significant harm to individuals, their families, and communities, and we will not tolerate those who seek to profit from that harm.”
Police encourages anyone with information about drug-related activity to contact us through our 105 services.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre