7. SIMON BRIDGES (National—Tauranga) Link to this
to the Minister of Police
Has she received any reports on operations by the police to stamp out the illicit drugs trade in New Zealand?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Police) Link to this
Yes. I congratulate the police on Operation Lime, which culminated this week in the arrest of over 250 alleged offenders who are facing more than 700 charges. This Government has passed a raft of new policies aimed at tackling criminal gangs and the drugs trade, and we have made sure we have enough police to carry out the organised crime operations of this nature. We are sending a very clear message to those who manufacture and sell drugs in our community that this Government and the police are determined to shut down their activities, and we will use every tool at our disposal to do so.
What steps are being taken to ensure that any profits obtained by illegal activity are not retained by offenders?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
I am very pleased to inform the House that the police will be starting proceedings under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act, which was passed by this Parliament last year. As a result, it is likely that any assets or profits associated with illegal activity will be confiscated. Since the Act was passed, the police have identified more than $36 million worth of assets believed to have been obtained through criminal activity. They include cash, houses, vehicles, and other property.
Michael Woodhouse Link to this
Has the Minister been advised of the outcome of investigations into organised criminal activity in the Dunedin area?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
Yes. Last week the police raided the premises of the Mongrel Mob gang in Middleton Road, following a 6-month-long investigation. As part of Operation Rocket the police made 19 arrests, and seized the gang’s premises under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act. Seven of those arrested were patched gang members, and two were presidents from separate chapters.