NZ Customs Busts 10kg Of Illegal Pills From India

A 66-year-old Auckland man has been arrested today for allegedly attempting to smuggle 10 kilograms of kamini pills into New Zealand from India, hidden in Haldiram's Boondi Packets. He is expected to appear in the Manukau District Court this afternoon, 16 September 2025.

Customs investigators have seized pills hidden inside the snack packets, as seen in the photograph, shipped from India, identifying them as kamini, a traditional herbal medicine that contains class B and C controlled drugs.

Chief Customs Officer Fraud and Prohibition, Nigel Barnes, said the operation was the result of targeted inquiries.

“This was an intelligence-led investigation that followed the illicit supply chain from the border to distribution in the community.” he said.

Kamini, widely used in the South Asian community by followers of Ayurveda and Unani medicine, comes as small, swallowable pellets. The substance may also contain dangerous elements, including lead and mercury.

Kamini, which is prohibited in New Zealand unless prescribed, is regarded as a risk due to its opioid content.

New Zealand Customs/Facebook

The discovery followed a two-month investigation, with search warrants carried out in September 2025 at both a business and a residential address in Auckland. The seized pills were tested by the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science), which confirmed the presence of restricted substances.

“The evidence gathered from this investigation suggests a well-organised illicit operation, which has resulted in the arrest of this man. Kamini is a cause of concern – it contains opioids and there is a high risk of dependency. Customs wants to stop these products from entering New Zealand communities where they can cause harm,” Barnes said.

He added that the public, including New Zealand’s Indian communities, should be aware of the health and legal risks.

“We would like to advise the public, including New Zealand’s Indian communities, that importing or possessing kamini without a prescription is prohibited, and more than being illegal, it can also have significant consequences on a person’s health.”

Customs has urged anyone with information about possible smuggling of kamini to report it confidentially on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768), or through Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.