A Westport couple have been ordered to forfeit $30,000 to the police following Buller's biggest ever drug bust.
Bevan Patrick Te Tai and his wife Amanda Jane Te Tai must pay $30,000 under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009, High Court judge Justice Lester Chisholm has ruled.
Justice Chisholm made a restraining order on June 26 this year relating to the Te Tai's Westport home and bank account and police subsequently reached a settlement with the couple.
Justice Chisholm confirmed police would accept $30,000 in full settlement of the matters involving the Te Tais.
Bevan Te Tai was arrested during Operation Marvel, Buller's biggest ever drug bust. He was subsequently sentenced to two years, nine months in prison after being convicted of possession for supply of cannabis resin, possession for supply of cannabis plant, two charges of cultivating cannabis, and conspiracy to sell cannabis.
Amanda Te Tai was never charged, but is cited in the judgment because she is a joint property owner and bank account holder.
Two Operation Marvel accused have yet to go to trial.
Shane David Saunders and Blair Matthew Colligan are due to be tried in Greymouth District Court on February 18.
Saunders faces 21 charges.Colligan faces 12 charges.
Four further defendants were sentenced in Greymouth District Court in June.
- By Lee Scanlon of the Westport News
