https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/300464038/operation-abbey-money-laundering-trial-delayed-until-2022

The trial of two people who allegedly laundered money made by a large Horowhenua methamphetamine ring has been postponed at the last minute, meaning they will wait longer than two years to have a hearing.

A man and woman, who both have name suppression, were due to go on trial in the Palmerston North District Court on December 6.

They face multiple counts of money laundering in relation to a methamphetamine ring run by Shannon man Gary Colin O’Connell.

They allegedly used businesses to launder O’Connell’s meth profits.

He and multiple other people, including the man and woman, were arrested in September 2019 after police executed Operation Abbey.

The operation led to police seizing assets worth more than $3 million, including dozens of high-performance cars, five properties and about $210,000 cash.

Most people arrested have already pleaded guilty and been sentenced – O’Connell was jailed for nine years – with just four defendants left.

One, Jason Earl Lovejoy, is awaiting his own trial on one count of possessing methamphetamine for supply while another, Nathan Brian Robert, is next in court in January.

The man and woman will not go on trial in December, with Judge Lance Rowe vacating the trial date at an administrative hearing in the Palmerston North District Court on Thursday.

Much of what was said at the hearing cannot be reported as it could prejudice the trial, but ensuring evidence was fully prepared was part of the reason for the trial being vacated.

The case will next be called in December to try to set down a trial date in 2022.