Two men behind New Zealand’s largest-ever methamphetamine importation operation have failed in their final attempt to overturn prison sentences of more than 20 years, after the country's supreme court dismissed their applications for leave to appeal.
Background of the Case
Baltej Singh and Himatjit Singh Kahlon were convicted over an international drug trafficking network that imported up to 741kg of methamphetamine into New Zealand. The drugs were hidden inside shipments including beer and kombucha bottles.
Court Ruling
According to Stuff, the court upheld the sentences imposed on both men, ruling that the punishment is justified considering the seriousness of their crimes. Singh is serving a 22-year prison term, while Kahlon was sentenced to 21 years. Both men must serve a minimum non-parole period of 10 years.
In its ruling, the court said there was no reason to reconsider the sentences and found no mistakes or unfairness in the earlier court decisions. The court said the scale of the drug-smuggling operation and the damage it caused to communities justified severe penalties.
Human Cost
The judgment also noted the human cost of the offending. Among the consequences linked to the drug network was the death of 21-year-old Aiden Sagala, who died after unknowingly consuming alcohol that had been laced with methamphetamine and supplied within the criminal operation. Kahlon was additionally convicted of manslaughter, alongside drug supply offences.
Profiles of the Convicts
Singh was described during court proceedings as a senior member of the syndicate and a businessman based in South Auckland. He had previously sought permanent name suppression before later abandoning the application.
According to The Indian Panorama, Baltej Singh is an Indian-origin businessman with roots in Punjab, while Himatjit Singh Kahlon has also been identified as being of Indian origin.
