Police are required to return $22,100 in seized cash: Was it obtained from drug money or a lotto gift?
A judge has ordered the police to return $22,100 in cash to a man who claimed it was Lotto winnings, despite finding that it was likely “tainted money.” The judge made this decision to prevent undue hardship on the man, as the law allows courts to exercise discretion in such cases.
During a search of a property in Napier, New Zealand, police found the cash along with drugs and other items in a shed. Although there were incriminating messages on the man’s phone, no charges were brought against him as it couldn’t be proven that the drugs and cash were his.
The man explained that the money was given to him by his sister, who had won over $13 million in Lotto. His lawyer argued that the cultural practice of giving gifts should be considered, and the court ultimately ruled in favor of the man, stating that forfeiting the money would cause undue hardship.
