Police seized property, vehicles and cash following a search warrant at a Gisborne address.

The search warrant in the suburb of Mangapapa last Wednesday was part of Operation Set, a multi‑agency operation targeting drugs and money laundering in the region.

The investigation was led by the Hastings-based Police Asset Recovery Unit with support from Gisborne police, New Zealand Customs and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

Operation Set originated from a New Zealand Customs investigation late last year.

Police, in a statement, said it began in November after MPI quarantine officers detected A$550,095 in cash concealed within the belongings of a returning New Zealander at the border.

“Customs’ subsequent investigation determined the cash was likely derived from criminal offending in Australia and formed part of funds later reinvested into property in New Zealand,” the police statement said.

The cash was seized and the returning New Zealander has been charged with non‑declaration of cash and money laundering.

Police seized the residential Mangapapa property under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act following last week’s search warrant, along with five motor vehicles, funds held in bank accounts and $42,000 in cash found at the address.

Asset Recovery team leader Julie Vernon said Operation Set highlighted the effectiveness of coordinated inter‑agency work. Photo / NZ Police

Asset Recovery team leader Julie Vernon said Operation Set highlighted the effectiveness of coordinated inter‑agency work.

“Police will continue to target and restrain assets linked to overseas criminal offending, with the aim of stopping organised crime from gaining a foothold in our communities.”

New Zealand Customs Manager of Investigations Dominic Adams said the result demonstrated the value of strong partnerships.

“This is another example of joint‑agency work bringing alleged offenders to account,” he said.

Investigations into Operation Set continue.