Baltej Singh revealed as mastermind in major drug case

The identity of the mastermind behind one of New Zealand’s largest drug-running operations can now be revealed following the end of a prolonged legal fight over name suppression.

According to a report by Catrin Owen of Stuff, Baltej Singh, a former Auckland businessman, is serving a 22-year prison sentence after admitting to importing more than 700 kilograms of methamphetamine, the largest quantity ever seized by authorities in New Zealand. His identity had been suppressed for years, but that protection has now been lifted after he abandoned further appeals.

Singh’s case drew additional attention due to his family history. He is the nephew of Indira Gandhi’s assassin, Satwant Singh, one of the bodyguards responsible for her killing in 1984. In court documents, Singh’s father said the assassination caused the family to “become notorious” globally, exposing them to threats and intimidation, Stuff has reported.

Initially, the High Court granted permanent name suppression. Justice Kiri Tahana ruled: “I am not satisfied that the public interest in open justice outweighs the risk to danger to the safety of Mr Singh's family, particularly where that risk includes a risk to life. The circumstances of this case are unique and international developments indicating increased tension and violence towards Sikh activists are relevant and should not be ignored,” as quoted by Stuff.

However, the Crown appealed the decision. Prosecutors argued that Singh’s identity was already known internationally and that public interest in transparency outweighed any risks. The Court of Appeal agreed, stating there was an “appreciable public interest” in revealing his identity given the scale of the offending.

The judges added: “That public interest and the principles of open justice are not outweighed by the very low risk (if any) of harm to [Singh’s] family given the underlying reason for any threats or harm that may exist,” Stuff has quoted.

A Sophisticated Smuggling Operation

Investigations revealed a complex international drug operation disguised as legitimate imports. Shipments included coconut water cans, Honey Bear beer, and kombucha bottles, many of which were found to contain dissolved methamphetamine or ephedrine.

Thousands of Honey Bear beer cans were found inside the Manukau unit. Photo: NZ Police / SUPPLIED

According to Stuff, authorities uncovered the operation after multiple shipments arrived in New Zealand from locations including New Delhi, Dubai, Toronto, and the United States. By early 2023, Singh and his associate, Himatjit ‘Jimmy’ Singh Khalon, were unpacking thousands of cans and bottles at a rented industrial unit in Auckland.

Police later seized over 700 kilograms of methamphetamine in both liquid and crystallised forms from the site.

A Tragic Death Linked to the Case

The case took a devastating turn with the death of 21-year-old Aidan Sagala. Described by his family as someone who did not use recreational drugs, Sagala died after unknowingly consuming meth-laced beer.

According to Stuff, medical tests showed an “off-the-charts” level of methamphetamine in his system. Investigators found he had been given the contaminated beer by Khalon, who later attempted to retrieve other distributed bottles.

Khalon was convicted of manslaughter and drug charges and sentenced to 21 years in prison.

Arrest and Sentencing

Singh was arrested at Auckland International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Dubai. Police found over $10,000 in cash in his backpack. Further searches uncovered large sums of money and additional evidence linked to the operation.

At sentencing, prosecutors described Singh as a calculated and capable organiser. His lawyer argued he had been recruited due to his reputation and was acting under direction from overseas.

Justice Tahana acknowledged Singh was not “at the top of the hierarchy,” but emphasised his major role, stating: “Had [the meth] been distributed, the consequences for the community, especially the most vulnerable in our communities, would have been devastating,” Stuff has quoted.

She also rejected his claim of coercion, calling it “implausible.”

Following the case, Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said: “In usual circumstances, this would have been a significant haul, dealing a blow to the criminal groups dealing in methamphetamine. “However, it was not lost on any of us that there has been a tragedy [Sagala’s death] at the heart of this investigation,” as quoted by Stuff.