7. JONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) Link to this
to the Minister of Police
What progress has been made by police following the introduction of new legislation allowing them to seize the proceeds of crime?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Police) Link to this
I am pleased to report that the new powers this Government has given to the police to allow them to investigate and seize the assets of criminals are producing great results. The latest figures, as at 30 September, show that $29.7 million worth of assets have been restrained since the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act was passed by this Parliament. These assets are now in the hands of the official assignee, awaiting further legal proceedings and orders. Since the Act was passed an estimated $30.6 million worth of assets have been investigated as a result of methamphetamine offending.
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
I am also pleased to report that nationally coordinated investigations into organised crime have resulted in increased busts of clan-labs. So far this year 93 labs have been closed down throughout the country. In August a record 23 labs were busted, including six in Auckland, five in the Waikato, four in the Bay of Plenty, and three in Counties-Manukau. Police are to be congratulated on a 17 percent increase in the apprehension of methamphetamine offenders this year, along with an astounding 140 percent increase this year in methamphetamine seizures. Our Government is backing the police to get out there and make life a misery for New Zealand’s criminal underbelly.
Hon Clayton Cosgrove Link to this
Given that the Minister is so fond of taking responsibility for and confirming so-called good news, is she also prepared to confirm that the highest murder rate in 13 years has occurred under her watch, as noted by the New Zealand Police in the official crime statistics released on 1 October?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
The fact is that there was a big increase—a spike—in murders in August 2009, and I am surprised the member has taken so long to catch up with that. However, murders are committed by offenders, not by the police.