Motorcycles likely purchased with meth money

A judge has ordered motorcycles allegedly connected to the leader of a Manawatu¯ methamphetamine ring be restrained, despite the drug dealer not actually owning them.

Craig Wayne Matthews, 47, was sentenced to four years and one month jail in November after admitting running a small meth ring.

He was on parole for earlier drug dealing when he established a drug dealing operation last year, which he ran from a property in Bulls.

He was arrested after taking delivery of another 4 ounces in a deal witnessed by police.

As commonly happens in drug dealing cases, police are also pursuing Matthews for the alleged proceeds of his crimes.

While some property has already been restrained, recent investigations by police led to an application to restrain a 2014 Harley Davidson Muscle Rod and a 2018 Harley Davidson 17 Pro St Breakout.

The judge found the evidence filed by police was strong enough to infer Matthews profited from criminal activity, of which the bikes were proceeds of, and Matthews had effective control over them.