Text messages extracted from a stoner’s phone led police to a commercial cannabis operation in Southland. A $150,000 proceeds of crime recovery order against each of Corey Robin Woodrow and Veronica Mary Cope sees likely sale of Woodrow’s rural property between Gore and Mataura, with Cope’s required payment also taken from any sale proceeds despite her not being registered as part owner.
Woodrow pleaded guilty to cultivation of and dealing in cannabis, sentenced in 2022 to nine months home detention. Spouse Cope was not charged.
Police discovered Woodrow’s illicit activities during a routine traffic stop of a Lumsden motorist in 2020. Smell of cannabis in the car led to a vehicle search which uncovered two chilly bins containing cannabis. Text messages on the driver’s phone led police directly back to Woodrow as supplier.
Both Woodrow and Cope refused to engage in a Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act profit forfeiture hearing. Standing at back of the courtroom, they interjected during proceedings claiming as ‘sovereign citizens’ they did not recognise the state as having any authority over them.
Justice Preston continued the hearing over their objections.
Evidence was given of police finding a commercial cannabis operation in a woodshed at back of their rural property. Substantial sums in cash had been banked to their bank accounts. Analysis of their supermarket loyalty card identified regular purchases in cash. Household whiteware had also been purchased in cash.
In the absence of evidence to the contrary from Woodrow, Justice Preston accepted police evidence that the two had generated revenue of at least $300,000 from cannabis dealing.
Cope’s statement to police that she had no knowledge beyond ‘some suspicion’ that her spouse was growing cannabis was at odds with regular text messages between the two detailing daily tasks required of Cope to maintain a healthy crop.
Woodrow and Cope were each ordered to pay $150,000. If not paid, Woodrow’s rural property is to be sold.
Woodrow was the sole registered owner, prior to Cope getting a Family Court order recognising her one half interest in the property.
In any event, Cope has an unregistered half interest in the property as relationship property, Justice Preston said. Her $150,000 profit forfeiture payment can be sourced from her relationship interest becoming monetised on sale of the property.
Commissioner of Police v. Woodrow & Cope – High Court (19.12.24)
25.056