Source: New Zealand Police
Four Auckland properties valued at approximately $36 million have been restrained under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 following a two-year investigation.
This week, the Commissioner of Police initiated civil proceedings pursuant to the Act against five people and one company connected to the Honey Bear methamphetamine laced beer manslaughter and drug importation investigation, also known as Operation Lavender.
The second phase of this operation, the civil asset recovery investigation, began after the death of Aiden Sagala in 2023.
Aiden, 21, had unwittingly consumed liquid methamphetamine, disguised as a can of Honey House Beer, and died on 7 March 2023.
Auckland City Police initiated Operation Lavender to investigate his tragic death and the wider shipment of methamphetamine, which had been imported from Canada.
Ultimately, the investigation seized more than 700 kilograms of methamphetamine, the largest ever single seizure of methamphetamine in this country.
As a result of that investigation, two people were charged.
Himatjit Singh Kahlon, 42, was sentenced to 21 years’ imprisonment for manslaughter and possession for supply of methamphetamine.
Another man, who has permanent name suppression, was sentenced to 22 years’ imprisonment for multiple drugs offences including possession for supply of methamphetamine and importing methamphetamine.
Detective Inspector Chris Allan, of the Financial Crime Group, says the investigation subsequent to Aiden’s death led to the discovery of a clandestine laboratory and hundreds of kilos of stockpiled methamphetamine imports.
“Through extensive financial investigation and analysis our team has now restrained an estimated $36 million in real estate property alleged to be connected with the importation and supply of methamphetamine.
“These properties are a mix of residential and commercial rural properties across the Whitford, Totora Heights, Karaka and Bombay areas.”
Detective Inspector Allan says transnational organised crime groups are sophisticated business entities, not only for their criminal activities but also how they launder their funds.
“Police have been quietly focused on unpicking the financial activities of this group.
“Given the scale of this criminal enterprise, this proceeding is an indication of the determination New Zealand Police have to investigate, disrupt and dismantle organised crime.
“This restraint represents significant capital that otherwise would have been at the disposal of the group to carry out further drug imports and create further harm in the community, until now.”
Detective Inspector Allan says this is yet another example of the ongoing work of Police to strip criminals of their assets and profits through organised crime.
“This is a substantial restraint in terms of value but also work and I would like to acknowledge everyone from Financial Crime Group, Auckland City District Police, National Clan Lab Response Team, NZ Customs, and the financial sector who have spent time piecing this together.
“Police will investigate these instances and look to remove the unlawful benefits from those who engage in significant criminal activity.”
As the matter is before the Court, Police are limited in providing further comment.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
