A long-running Police investigation has exposed a New Zealand syndicate operating a drug importation and country-wide distribution network through the dark web.
Operation Solana, led by the National Organised Crime Group, dialled in on the illegal activities over the past nine months, involving importing and distributing substances such as methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and ketamine.
Sixteen search warrants were executed across Auckland and Hamilton on Thursday and Friday.
Police have made 11 arrests and seized significant quantities of illicit drugs and cash.
Police will allege the group used dark web markets, encrypted messaging applications, and cryptocurrency services to obscure their identities and financial flows.
The drugs were being sent to New Zealand from the United Kingdom, Europe and the USA.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Hunt, from the National Organised Crime Group, says the operation began after enquiries identified a local syndicate using anonymous online marketplaces to carry out its illegal activities.
“We have established this group allegedly imported and distributed these controlled drugs across the country,” he says.
New Zealand Customs and overseas law enforcement agencies from USA, Australian Border Force, and Europe have seized in excess of 200 kilograms of these controlled drugs at their borders destined for this syndicate.
The warrants resulted in further seizures of methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and ketamine.
Approximately $500,000 in cash has been seized.
Three firearms were also seized, including a 3D printed firearm.
Eleven people, aged between 24 and 42, are expected in the Auckland District Court and Hamilton District Court today facing charges including:
- importation, possession and supplying class A, B and C controlled drugs
- unlawful possession of firearms
- participating in an organised criminal group
Operation Solana shows Police is growing a capability to detect and disrupt offending occurring out of sight, in online and anonymised environments, Hunt claimed.
“Offending on the dark web is not invisible.
“Police are increasingly equipped to identify and dismantle criminal enterprises that believe they can hide behind technology and encryption.
“These arrests send a clear message: if you are importing or dealing drugs through the dark web, we will find you, and we will hold you to account.”
Police will continue to target individuals and networks seeking to exploit digital platforms for drug harm within New Zealand communities.
Ergo, the “dark web” and “encryption” don’t work. They only paint a target on people who use them.