Two people have been arrested in what police say is one of New Zealand’s most "prolific" dark web drug operations, involving an estimated $1.2m in transactions.
Sergeant Reece Sirl said police targeted a "prolific" user on the country’s largest dark web server as a part of Operation Laver — an ongoing push to put pressure on online drug suppliers operating through the dark web.
The account was allegedly responsible for around 2800 drug transactions over a nine-month period between June 2025 and March 2026.
"We estimate the value of these transactions over nine-months is around $1.2 million,” Sirl said.
"These transactions involved around 13 different types of drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, GBL and ketamine."
A search was carried out at a rural property in northern Auckland late last week, where officers located a range of drugs in various stages of preparation for distribution.
Police also seized approximately $55,000 in cash.
A 35-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman were arrested and have appeared in the North Shore District Court, facing multiple charges relating to the sale and supply of Class A, B and C controlled drugs.
Sirl said further charges were possible, and additional people could be identified as inquiries continued.
"We cannot rule out further charges for either of these two individuals, and any further persons identified from evidence located during the ongoing investigation," he said.
"Many dark net vendors believe they are operating with impunity. However, they should be aware that even though they are choosing to operate in the shadows, they are not invisible to police and not immune to prosecution."
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