Police seize launch during search warrant near Whangarei

Northland Police have terminated a joint operation with the Police Financial Crime Group: Asset Recovery Unit.

On Wednesday and Thursday (April 17 and 18) Police searched a property at Pataua South and a 10.3 metre launch at Parua Bay.

During the searches Police seized $15000 cash and a number of items under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009. These items included the launch, a BMW car, two Harley Davidson motorcycles, a 1955 Chevrolet hotrod, jewellery, fishing equipment and four high--power air rifles.

Police arrested a 44-year-old man and 39-year-old woman during the searches and they are facing charges of possessing equipment for the use of manufacturing methamphetamine.

The couple has appeared in the Whangärei District Court and were remanded on bail until May 9.

A number of other items, which were seized during the search, are now being analysed by the ESR and further charges are likely.

Staff from the Northland Police Organised Crime Unit were assisted in the searches by the Asset Recovery Unit from Auckland and the Northland Armed Offenders Squad.

Northland Police Acting Manager of Criminal Investigations Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Burke says the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 was one of the tools Police could use to dismantle illicit drug operations in Northland.

"Any person making money out of drugs puts the community at risk, particularly youth. The arrest and seizure are an excellent result."

ENDS

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