Police Target Assets of Meth Importer Convicted in High Court

A man convicted of importing methamphetamine has lost his 114-year-old two-bedroom house in Sydenham, Christchurch, after police successfully applied for its forfeiture under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009.

The man, identified as Wright, was found guilty of three counts of importing meth in 2019 and sentenced to nine years and six months in prison the following year. The total amount of meth intercepted by Customs in three packages was 396.4g, with an estimated street value of $268,800.

Although Wright was not convicted of supplying methamphetamine, High Court Justice Rachel Dunningham noted his historical convictions for drug-related offenses. Police presented evidence suggesting Wright’s involvement in the commercial supply of meth and importing it.

During a search of Wright’s house in 2017, police found meth pipes, cell phones, SIM cards, and a guide on using the dark web to import drugs using Bitcoin. The investigation revealed encrypted messages on Wright’s phones related to drug dealing and Bitcoin transactions.

Despite Wright’s explanations for suspicious cash movements, including crypto trading and vehicle sales, Justice Dunningham found no evidence to support his claims. Wright’s modest declared income did not align with the significant cash deposits into his bank accounts.

As a result, Justice Dunningham ordered the transfer of ownership of the Sydenham property to the Crown. Wright, who was on benefits and not working, managed to meet his mortgage payments and increase his equity in the property, raising further suspicions about the source of his income.