Police, NZ Customs seize 40,800 LSD tabs worth more than $1 million

Police and New Zealand Customs officials have seized 40,800 LSD tablets during an Auckland raid.

A record-breaking haul of 40,800 LSD tabs has been seized during several Auckland raids.

Four search warrants were executed in Auckland last week as part of Operation Spin, investigating the importation and supply of Class A drugs from the United States.

Detective Senior Sergeant Reece Sirl said the operation found 40,800 tabs of LSD, with a street value of more than $1 million.

“According to Police records, this seizure is the largest quantity of LSD for New Zealand located in the possession of a single individual,” he said.

“LSD is a potent psychoactive substance, and large quantities such as this are rarely encountered these days in NZ.”

According to police, this seizure is the largest quantity of LSD for NZ located in the possession of a single individual. Photo / Police

The most recent large LSD seizure was in March 2023 when Customs stopped 10,029 tabs being smuggled into NZ.

Previously, police seized two separate hauls of 14,000 each in 2000.

Sirl called the result “pleasing” for the Operation Spin team.

A 30-year-old man has been charged with the importation, possession and supply of cocaine and the possession for supply of LSD, while a 25-year-old male has been charged with importing cocaine.

Police said the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) continued to work closely with domestic and international partners to identify and dismantle criminal networks involved in drug trafficking and distribution.

“Our focus as always is to continue targeting those who illegally accumulate cash and assets through the sale of illegal drugs,” Sirl said.

Police expect more charges to follow as further individuals involved are identified.

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