Convicted on seven charges of importation and supply of controlled drug N-ethylpentylone, Matthew Aaron Rowland surrendered assets to the value of $1.75 million as part of a negotiated settlement under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act, including properties in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom together with cryptocurrency.
N-ethylpentylone, sometimes called ‘bath salts’, is frequently mis-sold as ecstasy but is far more potent. The High Court was told of Rowland’s arrest as part of ‘Operation Manuka’ investigating illegal drug deals in the Wellington district. He was sentenced to four years and seven months imprisonment. Police investigations traced proceeds of drug dealing into: a property in Woodville; a removable house in storage at Upper Hutt, and four United Kingdom properties, in Blackpool. All were surrendered as assets obtained with the proceeds of crime, together with cash seized from various properties and storage lockers, the proceeds of New Zealand and offshore bank accounts, bitcoins and ethereum held in online wallets under Rowland’s control, plus several motor vehicles and motorcycles.
Associate Ashleigh Marie Zammit pleaded guilty to one representative charge of money laundering; assistance in purchase of tainted assets to the value of $219,400.
Commissioner of Police v. Rowland & Zammit – High Court (13.12.19)
20.012