Homes, vehicles, cash and a firearm have been seized as part of a National Organised Crime Operation dubbed Operation Yellowstone.
Police conducted two search warrants at Hastings and Tauranga addresses last week, where they say the firearm, cash, and further assets were seized.
A 37-year-old Hastings man has been remanded in custody and is set to reappear in the Manukau District Court on 22 March facing drug-related charges.
Two houses, $80,000 cash, and five motor vehicles, including a Harley Davidson Motorbike, and a Mazda BT-50 were seized pursuant to the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act.
The arrested man is facing six charges of possession of methamphetamine for supply, 19 charges of supplying methamphetamine, two charges of offering to supply methamphetamine, and one charge of unlawful possession of a firearm.
He is also due to appear in the Tauranga District Court on 9 May facing two charges of unlawful possession of a restricted weapon.
“Stripping assets derived through drug dealing activity strikes at the heart of what organised crime figures wish to achieve,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Fischer.
“Seizing their riches created by causing harm and distress in the community not only denies them of the satisfaction of enjoying those assets, it also helps provide some restitution for the damage caused to the community.”
