A New Plymouth man has been forced to forfeit a property, a Ford Ranger, more than $100,000 in cash, and over $36,000 held in bank accounts to the Crown following drug manufacturing and supply convictions.
The money from the seized assets would be used within the Taranaki community for projects including reducing methamphetamine harm.
In 2019, police carried out two search warrants as part of an investigation into the manufacturing and distribution of illicit drugs.
Eight LSD tablets, 94g of methamphetamine, and 82g of cannabis was located and around $56,000 cash was found hidden around a property.
While the investigation continued, a new investigation was launched in 2021 when 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 an alcoholic drink.
The address was searched, with more than $45,000 cash being found, while other items found led to the determination that they were used 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.
Detective Sergeant Sam Buckley said 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,” he said.
Earlier this month 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.
Detective Inspector Gerard Bouterey said this outcome sent a clear message to 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,” he said.
“Methamphetamine causes significant harm to individuals, their families, and communities, and we will not tolerate those who seek to profit from that harm.”
