Police continue to be commercially flexible when negotiating Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act asset confiscations. Convicted meth dealer Tamati Morrison bargained down the value of assets to be seized and negotiated a three month pause, giving time to raise cash and avoid sale of his Upper Hutt family home.
Police reserved its right to verify the source of any funds put up in payment, wise to the possibility that proceeds of other crimes might be used to pay off this proceeds of crime penalty.
The High Court was told of Morrison’s two convictions for methamphetamine offences; in 2018 and 2022.
Police claim cash totalling $727,000 was generated by his illegal activity; Morrison claims he made $60,000, at most.
The High Court approved a negotiated proceeds of crime settlement with Morrison agreeing to pay $250,000. Most of this will be paid with cash seized by Police earlier from Morrison, plus cash in bank accounts and sale of goods already seized. These goods included a Chevrolet Impala, jetski and e-bike.
A balance of $95,000 is to come from sale of Morrison’s family home, subject to him refinancing his home to raise the necessary cash.
The High Court was told the home has a current rating valuation of $640,000 with some $450,000 outstanding on a mortgage currently registered over the property.
Commissioner of Police v. Morrison – High Court (4.12.25)
26.035