New Zealand Police Seize Record 40,800 LSD Tabs in Major Drug Bust

A significant drug operation in New Zealand has resulted in the seizure of a record-breaking quantity of LSD. Under a joint investigation known as Operation Spin, authorities intercepted 40,800 LSD tabs imported from the United States, marking the largest single seizure in the country’s history.

The operation was conducted by the New Zealand Police in collaboration with New Zealand Customs. Last week, the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) executed four search warrants in the Auckland region, leading to this remarkable discovery. Detective Senior Sergeant Reece Sirl confirmed that the street value of the seized LSD exceeds $1 million.

“This seizure is the largest quantity of LSD for New Zealand located in possession of a single individual,” Sirl stated. He emphasized that large quantities of LSD are rarely encountered in the country, indicating the operation’s significance. The previous largest seizure occurred in March 2023, when authorities confiscated 10,029 tabs.

In historical context, the last substantial LSD haul before this was in 2000, when police seized two separate consignments of 14,000 tabs each. The recent bust reflects a growing trend of targeted operations against drug trafficking in New Zealand.

Among those charged in connection to this operation is a 30-year-old man, facing serious charges related to the importation, possession, and supply of cocaine, as well as possession for supply of LSD. A 25-year-old male has also been charged with importing cocaine. Both individuals are currently before the Waitākere District Court, where proceedings will continue.

The NOCG is committed to dismantling the criminal networks involved in drug trafficking. “Our focus, as always, is to continue targeting those that illegally accumulate cash and assets through the sale of illegal drugs,” Sirl added.

The investigation remains ongoing, with police expecting additional charges as they identify further individuals linked to the operation. This seizure is seen as a significant step towards making New Zealand more resilient to transnational organized crime.

As law enforcement agencies continue to collaborate both domestically and internationally, the importance of these operations in combating drug trafficking is underscored. The successful interception of such a large quantity of LSD not only disrupts the supply chain but also sends a strong message regarding the commitment to uphold public safety.