$36 Million in Auckland Properties Frozen After “Meth Beer” Death Investigation

PHOTO: HOperation Lavender — led by Auckland City Police with assistance from NZ Customs. FILE

Four Auckland properties worth a combined $36 million have been frozen following a major police investigation connected to the death of a young man who unknowingly drank beer laced with methamphetamine.

Civil Action Follows Two-Year Operation Lavender Investigation

This week, the Commissioner of Police filed civil proceedings under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act against five individuals and one company.
The action stems from the Honey House Beer manslaughter and drug importation case, also known as Operation Lavender — an investigation launched after the death of 21-year-old Aiden Sagala in March 2023.

Sagala died after consuming liquid methamphetamine disguised as a can of Honey House Beer, which had been given to him by Himatjit Singh Kahlon, a man he knew through work.

A toxicology report found Sagala had “off the charts” levels of methamphetamine in his system, leading to multiple organ failure.

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Discovery of Massive Meth Operation

Detective Inspector Chris Allan, of the Financial Crime Group, said Sagala’s death led investigators to uncover an extensive drug network, including a clandestine laboratory and hundreds of kilograms of imported methamphetamine.

“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,” said Allan.

“These properties are a mix of residential and rural commercial holdings across Whitford, Totara Heights, Karaka, and Bombay.”

The freezing orders prevent the properties from being sold or transferred, stopping those involved from converting assets into cash.

Largest Meth Seizure in New Zealand History

Operation Lavender — led by Auckland City Police with assistance from NZ Customs — also uncovered more than 700 kilograms of methamphetamine, the largest-ever single seizure in New Zealand.

Two men were charged as a result of the operation:

Himatjit Singh Kahlon, 42, was sentenced to 21 years in prison for manslaughter and possession for supply of methamphetamine.
Another man, whose name remains suppressed, received 22 years’ imprisonment for multiple drug offences, including importation and supply.

Himatjit Singh Kahlon. (Source: 1News)

A Family’s Loss

At Kahlon’s sentencing, Aiden Sagala’s father, Ma’aseia, told the court his life had been “shattered” by the loss of his son.

“Aiden was the heart of our family — the pillar of our home,” he said.
“He dreamed of joining the New Zealand Army at 22. That dream was stolen from him. The pain of knowing he’ll never fulfil it is a sorrow we carry every day.”

Police Vow to Keep Targeting Organised Crime

Detective Inspector Allan said the case demonstrates the sophistication of transnational organised crime and the importance of financial investigations in dismantling their operations.

“These groups operate like business entities — not only in drug distribution but also in laundering their profits,” he said.
“This case shows the determination of New Zealand Police to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle organised crime.”

He also commended the Financial Crime Group, Auckland City Police, the National Clan Lab Response Team, and the financial sector for their role in tracing and restraining the assets.