Nearing retirement age, Stephen and Leonna Foulds were busted growing cannabis in an indoor commercial operation at their Opua home, in Northland near Russell. Pleading guilty and sentenced to home detention, they negotiated a proceeds of crime settlement giving them six months to sell their home, raising $450,000 to be surrendered as proceeds of crime.
The High Court was told they purchased the Opua property in cash for $1.05 million, proceeds from sale of their previous Te Aroha home. Opua is now estimated to be worth some $1.2 million.
Evidence was given of police in December 2023 finding a sophisticated commercial growing operation at the property capable of producing five crops a year. High power needs to drive fans, air conditioning and indoor lighting saw their power usage being three to four times the local norm.
The court was told a police check of power records for the Foulds previous Te Aroha property found power usage there similarly well above local averages.
Their Opua home became ‘tainted’ and liable to forfeiture under Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act by reason of cash from cannabis sales used to maintain and refurbish the property.
A Mazda CX-5, purchased with tainted cash was at risk of forfeiture as well.
It was agreed with police that cash generated from cannabis sales approximated $450,000.
The Foulds were given until end of January 2026 to sell their Opua home. Failing that, Insolvency Service is authorised to carry out a forced sale, paying net surplus to the Foulds after deduction of $450,000.
In the Kaikohe District Court, Mr Foulds was sentenced to ten months home detention for cultivating cannabis and selling, Mrs Foulds eight months for cultivation.
Commissioner of Police v. Foulds – High Court (31.07.25)
25.172