After a tiring day at work, Aiden Sagala decided to unwind with a cold beer, unaware that it contained a deadly substance. The unsuspecting 21-year-old had received a case of beer from his boss, only to discover that the can he chose was filled with liquid methamphetamine, resulting in a tragic outcome.
The incident occurred on March 2, 2023, in Auckland, New Zealand, where Aiden resided with his sister Angela and brother-in-law Billy. Aiden and Billy, accompanied by a friend, were leisurely enjoying ‘Honey Bear Beer’ cans imported from Canada when the dreadful event transpired.
Upon taking a sip of the beer, Aiden remarked to Billy that it tasted unusual, prompting Billy to taste it as well. Billy quickly realized the strange flavor, describing it as a mixture of sea salt and chemicals, leading him to spit it out immediately.
Subsequently, Aiden expressed concerns about his well-being, escalating into a state of panic and distress. Despite efforts to seek help and perform CPR by Angela, a doctor herself, Aiden slipped into a coma and tragically passed away five days later due to multiple organ failure induced by the lethal methamphetamine dose.
Following Aiden’s demise, an investigation by the New Zealand police unveiled a significant drug smuggling operation with ties to India, the United States, and Canada. The inquiry led to the discovery of a massive stockpile of liquid methamphetamine, weighing around 700 kilograms, in a storage unit in Auckland, marking the largest methamphetamine seizure in the country.
Authorities revealed that Baltej Singh, a local supermarket owner, had orchestrated the smuggling operation by disguising methamphetamine as various beverages imported into New Zealand. The illicit shipments included kombucha from the US, coconut water from India, and a considerable quantity of Honey Bear beer cans from Toronto.
Moreover, Aiden’s boss, identified as Himatjit ‘Jimmy’ Kahlon, was implicated in the operation after being captured on surveillance footage removing beer cases from the storage unit. He faced accusations of aiding in the conversion of liquid methamphetamine into crystal meth and was subsequently charged with manslaughter in connection to Aiden’s death.
Additionally, Singh, a well-regarded businessman in Auckland with a prominent background in India, was charged for orchestrating the illegal importation operation. The unfortunate demise of Aiden unraveled a complex web of criminal activities that spanned across multiple countries.
This turn of events sheds light on the pervasive nature of drug trafficking networks and the devastating consequences that can arise from illicit operations. The authorities’ swift action in dismantling the operation serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes within and beyond national borders.