The High Court released its decision to release the forfeiture of Wigram’s property to Vickerys Rd late yesterday following a police statement.
Police initially seized the property in 2017 following a major investigation into the gang’s involvement in organized crime and drug-related offences.
The High Court in Christchurch ordered the forfeiture of the Vickerys Rd property, along with $6162.30 seized from unlicensed slot machines and a Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Police brought the application to the High Court because the Christchurch-based members and associates of the Head Hunters were heavily involved in the sale and supply of methamphetamine.
Detective Inspector Craig Hamilton said: “Those members and associates have also been involved in completing numerous improvements to the property since it came into gang ownership in 2016, having previously been occupied by the Epitaph Riders gang.
“In its judgment, the court ruled that it was an inescapable conclusion that the funding came from significant criminal activity, including drug trafficking and unlicensed gambling machines.”
Hamilton, who is the manager of asset recovery units, said police dealt another blow to organized crime with the release of the verdict.
“Police continue to have a strong focus on tackling and disrupting organized criminal activity on a number of fronts and today’s decision reflects that.
“This is a great result for the community.”
Hamilton, through his asset recovery teams across the country, said police will continue to hunt and seek the proceeds of crime.
“We are determined not only to bring to court those involved in causing pain and harm to the community, but we will also continue to focus on the proceeds of their transgressions.”
An application for forfeiture filed by the Police Commissioner, which seeks to confiscate the gang’s Auckland East Chapter headquarters in Ellerslie, is currently before the High Court. A hearing is scheduled for the end of 2023.