Auckland businessman jailed 22 years in NZ's largest meth bust linked to fatal overdose
A 32-year-old man from south Auckland has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in New Zealand's largest methamphetamine bust. Baltej Singh, an Indian-origin businessman, was arrested in 2023 after authorities uncovered hundreds of kilograms of drugs hidden in imported beer cans. Singh's arrest followed a major raid in March and April 2023 at a Manukau warehouse. Police seized around 328 kg of methamphetamine, with total linked imports exceeding 700 kg. The drugs had been smuggled inside cans labelled 'Honey Bear' and other beverage shipments from Canada.
Before his arrest, Singh was a little-known figure in south Auckland. His case gained attention when he was detained at Auckland Airport carrying over $10,000 in cash, attempting to board a flight to Dubai. The investigation also linked Singh to the death of 21-year-old Aiden Sagala, who died in 2023 after consuming liquid methamphetamine from the contaminated cans. Singh was later convicted of manslaughter in connection with Sagala's death. In February 2025, the Auckland High Court sentenced him to 22 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to multiple charges. The case drew international media interest, particularly in Australia, where outlets like *The Australia Today* highlighted Singh's relation to Satwant Singh, one of the assassins of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Singh's conviction marks the end of a high-profile case involving one of New Zealand's biggest drug seizures. The 22-year sentence reflects the severity of his crimes, including manslaughter and large-scale methamphetamine trafficking. His connection to a historic political assassination added an unusual dimension to the legal proceedings.
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