A joint operation by New Zealand Police and Customs has resulted in the largest single seizure of LSD in the country’s history.
Under Operation Spin, authorities have been investigating the importation and supply of Class A drugs from the United States into New Zealand. Last week, the National Organised Crime Group executed four search warrants across Auckland.
Detective Senior Sergeant Reece Sirl confirmed that officers discovered 40,800 LSD tabs—valued at over $1 million—during the operation.
“This is the largest quantity of LSD ever found in the possession of a single individual in New Zealand,” he said. “LSD is a highly potent psychoactive substance, and such large-scale seizures are extremely rare in this country.”
Until now, the largest recorded LSD bust was in March 2023, when Customs intercepted 10,029 tabs. In 2000, Police also uncovered two separate seizures of 14,000 tabs each.
A 30-year-old man now faces charges relating to the importation, possession, and supply of cocaine, as well as possession of LSD for supply. A second man, aged 25, has been charged with importing cocaine. Both appeared in the Waitākere District Court and remain before the court.
Detective Senior Sergeant Sirl says the bust is a significant result for Operation Spin and reinforces the ongoing efforts to combat organised crime.
“We’re committed to disrupting criminal networks profiting from the sale of illegal drugs,” he said. “This seizure shows the results of close cooperation between national and international enforcement partners.”
Investigations are ongoing, and Police anticipate further charges as more individuals are identified.
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