Piyaporn Paetmuangjan

Piyaporn Paetmuangjan is a Thai national who gained notoriety in connection with a methamphetamine importation ring in New Zealand. In her 50s and residing in Thailand, she recently agreed to forfeit $20,000 seized by police during a 2007 investigation under Operation Earle, which targeted her involvement in coordinating drug deliveries and payments while her then-partner was incarcerated. Although no drugs were found during the police search of her Wellington home, evidence suggested she played a critical role in the drug syndicate, which utilized contraband communication methods to facilitate operations. After years of legal proceedings, the High Court has now ordered the forfeiture of the funds as part of the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009.