Police say a new piece of legislation that forces criminals to hand over assets is working well, with $36 million of assets identified in just under four months.
More than two thirds, or $25 million, of the assets are linked to drug crime, including $14 million worth related to methamphetamine.
The new system allows for assets to be forfeited to the Crown based on a police belief that the owner is connected to crime. The onus is on owners to prove they acquired the property legitimately.
Assets can include houses, cash and vehicles.
The police say the system is off to a very encouraging start with $20 million of the assets already in the possession of an assigned third party or police.
It has been running alongside a drug crack-down that resulted in more than 900 arrests.
