A property occupied by the son of a former gang boss has been seized following a large police operation in Kawerau today.
Police said it took possession of a property forfeited following a court process under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009, with the support of Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
Detective Inspector Lindsay Pilbrow, Bay of Plenty District criminal investigations manager, said the property was occupied by the son of a former Mongrel Mob Kawerau president, who was arrested as part of Operation Notus in 2018.
“The 2018 operation was launched to target the distribution of methamphetamine by the Kawerau chapter of the Mongrel Mob,” Pilbrow said.
“More than 50 arrests were made in Operation Notus, with over $4 million in assets restrained.
“At the time, this operation significantly disrupted a group of people who were causing a significant amount of harm to the community.”
>
A 34-year-old man was arrested during today’s operation and will appear in the Rotorua High Court later today for contempt of court.
Police said it would continue to have an increased presence in the Newall St area while staff helped MBIE to safely take possession of the property.
Pilbrow said police remained committed to targeting assets that were obtained by criminal behaviour.
“We want to reassure our communities that police will also continue to target and disrupt groups and individuals that align themselves with those who profit from the proceeds of crime.
“Anyone who has information or concerns about criminal activity in their communities, should contact police via 105 either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz.
“Alternatively, information can be reported via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.”