Major Drug Busts in New Zealand and Canada Seize Cocaine, Meth, Fentanyl

New Zealand police have arrested eleven people and seized significant quantities of drugs, cash, and firearms after uncovering a nationwide drug importation and distribution network operating through the dark web. The nine-month investigation, known as Operation Solana and led by the National Organised Crime Group, focused on the alleged importation and supply of methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and ketamine. Police executed 16 search warrants across Auckland and Hamilton, arresting individuals aged between 24 and 42 who now face charges including importation, possession and supplying class A, B and C controlled drugs, unlawful possession of firearms and participating in an organised criminal group.

Significant quantities of drugs were seized, along with about $500,000 in cash and three firearms, including a 3D-printed gun. Police allege the group used dark web marketplaces, encrypted messaging applications and cryptocurrency services to hide their identities and financial transactions. New Zealand Customs and overseas law enforcement agencies, including the US, Europe and the Australian Border Force, seized more than 200kg of controlled drugs destined for the syndicate at international borders. The drugs were sent to New Zealand from the UK, Europe and the US.

In a separate investigation in Canada, Saskatoon police arrested a 34-year-old man following a drug trafficking investigation. During searches at two addresses, police seized 4177 grams of powdered cocaine, 212 grams of crack cocaine, 609 grams of fentanyl, 9061 grams of methamphetamine, over $31,500 CAD, and a hydraulic press with packaging materials. The accused is facing several charges in relation to drug trafficking and possession of counterfeit identity documents.

The New Zealand bust comes as new wastewater testing data released by Police shows cocaine consumption surged nationwide to an all-time high in Q4 2025, exceeding MDMA consumption for the first time. Meanwhile, methamphetamine consumption remained stubbornly high following a doubling in the second half of 2024. Cocaine consumption has been increasing since mid-2022, with the Drug Foundation noting that cocaine carries increased risk of a few harms, including increased addiction and overdose.

Police said Operation Solana showed they were increasing their ability to detect and disrupt offending in online and encrypted environments. "Offending on the dark web is not invisible," said Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Hunt. "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."