Dark web crims busted as cops smash nationwide drug syndicate

A crew of dark web drug dealers has been dragged before the courts after police smashed a major importation and supply network pumping meth, cocaine and party drugs into New Zealand.

Operation Solana exposed the syndicate after a nine-month investigation by the National Organised Crime Group targeting offenders accused of hiding behind encryption, cryptocurrency and anonymous online marketplaces.

Advertisement
    
    This ad is not available right now due to a network issue or pending review with the Google Advertisement Network. Please check back later.
  
    Advertisement
    Why this ad?
      
        Advertising revenue keeps articles from thisquality free to read. Ads are personalised by Google, not us. Thank you for your support! 🎉

Image: Packaged quantities of suspected illegal drugs seized by police during Operation Solana. The exhibits are believed to be part of a dark web importation and distribution network dismantled in Auckland and Hamilton. (Supplied / New Zealand Police)

The crims are alleged to have built a sophisticated pipeline importing Class A and Class B drugs from the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States, before distributing them across the country.

Police swarmed 16 properties across Auckland and Hamilton in coordinated raids over two days, shutting down the operation.

Officers arrested 11 suspected syndicate members aged between 24 and 42.

Advertisement
    
    This ad is not available right now due to a network issue or pending review with the Google Advertisement Network. Please check back later.
  
    Advertisement
    Why this ad?
      
        Advertising revenue keeps articles from thisquality free to read. Ads are personalised by Google, not us. Thank you for your support! 🎉

Searches uncovered significant quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and ketamine. About $500,000 in cash was seized, along with three firearms including a 3D-printed gun.

The accused offenders are now facing serious criminal charges including drug importation, supply, firearms offending and participating in an organised criminal group.

Authorities had already intercepted more than 200 kilograms of drugs linked to the syndicate at international borders before they reached New Zealand streets.

The shipments were stopped through joint efforts involving New Zealand Customs and overseas law enforcement agencies in the United States, Australia and Europe.

Further drug seizures during the raids strengthened the case against the alleged network.

Investigators allege the syndicate relied on encrypted messaging and digital currencies to conceal their identities and move profits.

Advertisement
    
    This ad is not available right now due to a network issue or pending review with the Google Advertisement Network. Please check back later.
  
    Advertisement
    Why this ad?
      
        Advertising revenue keeps articles from thisquality free to read. Ads are personalised by Google, not us. Thank you for your support! 🎉

Image: A shotgun and ammunition seized by police during Operation Solana. The firearm was recovered during searches. (Supplied / New Zealand Police)

Police say the operation demonstrates growing capability to identify and dismantle criminal networks operating in hidden online environments.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to shut down remaining links connected to the drug ring.

Support Brief Banner

Keep independent journalism going.

We are independent and committed to bringing authentic reporting to the people.

thisquality is built for the people and powered by their support. People like you reading this free article help us remain a strong and independent platform within New Zealand's media landscape.

I'd like to donate

About thisquality

Advertisement
    
    This ad is not available right now due to a network issue or pending review with the Google Advertisement Network. Please check back later.
  
    Advertisement
    Why this ad?
      
        Advertising revenue keeps articles from thisquality free to read. Ads are personalised by Google, not us. Thank you for your support! 🎉

Advertisement

Advertisement Why this ad? Advertising revenue keeps articles from thisquality free to read. Ads are personalised by Google, not us. Thank you for your support! 🎉