UPDATE: The vendor has been confirmed to be "Bestnzgear" via NZ Darknet Market Forumshttp://sq3jigvdjcl7m5wh7dnkdzlzl2awji5iihkyyfu2iysdei3phc7ssnqd[.]onion/viewtopic.php?id=202
New Zealand Police have dismantled what they allege was one of the country's largest dark web drug operations, arresting two people following a months-long investigation.
The operation, dubbed Operation Laver, was led by the National Organised Crime Group as part of an ongoing crackdown on drug importers and suppliers using the dark web.
According to Detective Senior Sergeant Reece Sirl, the investigation zeroed in on an account on New Zealand's biggest dark web marketplace that was allegedly responsible for approximately 2,800 separate drug sales between June 2025 and March 2026, a nine-month period with an estimated transaction value of around $1.2 million.
The drugs sold reportedly spanned 13 different substances, including methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, GBL, and ketamine.
Late last week, police raided a rural property in northern Auckland, where they discovered a range of drugs in varying stages of being packaged for distribution to online buyers. Officers also seized roughly $55,000 in cash.
A 35-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman were arrested and subsequently appeared before the North Shore District Court, facing a substantial number of charges related to the sale and supply of class A, B, and C controlled drugs. Police have indicated that additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.
Detective Senior Sergeant Sirl issued a pointed warning to other dark web vendors, noting that many believe they are operating beyond the reach of law enforcement. He made clear that anonymity on encrypted platforms does not equate to immunity from prosecution.
Police confirmed they are continuing to expand their investigative capabilities across dark net and encrypted platforms in collaboration with law enforcement partners.
Source: https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/investigation-shines-light-dark-web-drug-operation
