A drug supplier based in Wellington has had nearly $340,000 in assets seized – and could stand to lose more than $2.5 million more.
Included in the seized items is a 42-foot yacht, high-end art, bank accounts totalling nearly $168,000, three motor vehicles, a lithograph by New Zealand artist Ralph Hotere and jewellery – including a Hubolt watch estimated to be worth $50,000.
Police said the seizure was the result of a “long-running” investigation by the asset recovery unit into the activities of Kenny Leslie McMillan – which were brought to halt in 2019.
“The forfeiture orders were issued by the High Court at Wellington on February 12 this year,” it said.
In 2019, police said an investigation by the Wellington Organised Crime Unit – dubbed Operation Superdry – was launched into the drug supply on McMilan.
“While he pleaded guilty to some charges shortly before a hearing, he continued to deny other charges. He was subsequently subject to a jury trial, where he was found guilty, and sentenced to 18 years imprisonment in 2021.
“The profit forfeiture order issued against McMillan totals $2.758 million – this order encompasses the profits made from his offending. It can potentially lead to future assets identified as belonging to McMillan also being seized.”
The operation targeted a drug dealing syndicate police said was led by McMillan, who would “arrange for” methamphetamine to be sourced from Auckland and transported to Wellington in cars with secret compartments customised especially to conceal the drugs.
“McMillan concealed drugs in inner city parking buildings, where they were exchanged for cash.”
Another man, Robert Jason Taui, was convicted as part of the syndicate for his part in the illicit deals and sentenced to nine years and one month imprisonment. In March 2024, he was ordered to forfeit assets including cash, motorbikes and vehicles totalling nearly $54,000.
“A profit forfeiture order of $1.38 million was also made against him.”
The Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act investigation established the assets of both McMillan and Taui were “derived through illicit means”.
Detective Sergeant Sam Buckley said: “The profit forfeiture orders issued in these proceedings demonstrate the full extent of criminality and amount of unlawful benefit received by the offenders. Property to an equivalent value can then be sought for forfeiture regardless of when or how it was acquired.”
“One of the primary reasons that organised crime exists is to make money. This result will have a direct impact on the perception that those who commit crime can profit from it.”
