WELLINGTON
A record-breaking drug investigation in New Zealand has come to a shocking close. Baltej Singh, the nephew of one of Indira Gandhi’s assassins, has been identified as the mastermind behind the country’s largest-ever narcotics seizure. For two years, strict local laws kept his name a secret, but Singh finally dropped his legal fight for anonymity.
The massive case, known as “Project Lavender,” began with a tragedy. In March 2023, a 21-year-old man died after accidentally drinking liquid methamphetamine hidden inside a beer can. This sparked a nationwide probe that led police to an Auckland storage unit. There, officers discovered 700 kilograms of liquid meth disguised as everyday imports, including coconut water from India and kombucha from the United States.
Investigators revealed that the operation was highly sophisticated, moving drugs across borders using innocent-looking beverage shipments. Singh was eventually caught at Auckland Airport while trying to board a last-minute flight to Dubai. He has now been sentenced to 22 years in prison for importing meth, cocaine, and ephedrine. A co-defendant, Himatjit Singh Kahlon, received 21 years for his role in the accidental death caused by the tainted drinks.
Authorities have seized roughly $36 million in assets, including expensive real estate linked to the criminal network. This case serves as a grim reminder of how international crime syndicates can reach quiet corners of the world. For New Zealand, it marks the end of a long legal battle and a historic win for law enforcement.
