Tag: Stern Jaws

  • New Zealand Police Seize $170K Pinball Collection in Kimzone Arrest

    New Zealand Police Seize $170K Pinball Collection in Kimzone Arrest

    Key Takeaways

    1. Kim Michael Dozier operated a homemade pinball arcade called Kimzone from his garage in Christchurch, New Zealand, but it was a cover for a drug-trafficking ring.

    2. His collection of pinball machines, valued between $150,000 and $170,000, was confiscated by police and will be sold at auction as “tainted property.”

    3. Dozier was arrested after a police raid in May, where large amounts of various illegal drugs were found hidden in his home and pinball machines.

    4. He was sentenced to four years and one month in prison for running a drug operation, with the court highlighting the sophistication of his activities.

    5. Despite the serious charges, Kimzone was viewed as a community space for fun and local competitions, with many supporters attending his court hearing.


    A man in Christchurch, New Zealand, named Kim Michael Dozier had been operating a homemade pinball arcade called Kimzone from his garage. Unfortunately, he has now lost all of his arcade machines after police uncovered that it was a cover for a drug-trafficking ring.

    Collection Confiscated

    His cherished assortment of pinball machines, which includes modern Stern games like Jaws and Godzilla, as well as vintage Williams models, is valued between $150,000 and $170,000—more than the drugs involved. These machines have been taken and will be sold at auction to interested buyers.

    Dozier’s Kimzone arcade was raided last May, leading to his arrest. A court has recently ruled that his beloved pinball collection be seized under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act.

    A Community Space

    For several years, Dozier had run Kimzone from his home. This colorful garage arcade was a popular spot for neighbors, family, and pinball enthusiasts. He organized local competitions, and generally, it seemed to be a fun and innocent place.

    However, police showed up with a search warrant and found that Dozier was running an illegal drug business. Large amounts of MDMA, magic mushrooms, cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, and LSD were hidden throughout his home, with some stashed inside the pinball machines themselves.

    Legal Consequences

    Authorities estimated the street value of his drug stash at around $125,000. In addition, they found $45,500 in cash divided into 11 bundles.

    As reported by The Press, Dozier was sentenced on March 3, 2026, to four years and one month in prison at Christchurch District Court. Judge Stephen O’Driscoll remarked during the hearing, “You were running a relatively sophisticated operation to support your lifestyle and deal in drugs, particularly in later stages when you were unemployed.”

    Recently, the High Court got involved, escalating the situation. Justice Jonathan Eaton ruled that Dozier’s valuable pinball machines be confiscated, labeling them as “tainted property” linked to serious criminal activities.

    Value of the Collection

    Dozier’s arcade collection is appraised at about $150,000 to $172,000, which is ironically more valuable than the drugs seized from his house. The collection features modern Stern machines such as Jaws and Godzilla, along with older Williams models. These machines are now confiscated and will be auctioned off.

    Dozier’s attorney, Andrew McKenzie, spoke in the High Court, saying that his client acknowledged ownership of the pinball machines and did not contest the police’s request. He added that some machines were sold while Dozier was in custody.

    Despite the serious charges, many fans and community members attended Dozier’s court hearing. For many arcade lovers, Kimzone was just a friendly gaming space. Now, his treasured pinball machines are set to be sold to new buyers.

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