New Zealand Police target prolific dark web drug seller linked to 2,800 transactions worth $1.2M in Operation Laver.
New Zealand Police say they have disrupted one of the country’s most prolific alleged dark web drug sellers following a major investigation led by the National Organised Crime Group.
The investigation, known as Operation Laver, targeted a suspected vendor operating on what authorities describe as the largest New Zealand dark web server. Police allege the account was responsible for thousands of drug sales carried out through anonymous online marketplaces.
According to Detective Senior Sergeant Reece Sirl, investigators believe the account facilitated around 2,800 individual drug transactions between June 2025 and March 2026. Authorities estimate the total value of those sales reached roughly $1.2 million over the nine-month period.
Police say the transactions involved at least 13 different types of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, GBL, and ketamine. The substances were allegedly distributed through online orders arranged via the dark web.
Officials noted that the investigation forms part of a broader strategy to disrupt criminals using encrypted networks, anonymous marketplaces, and other online tools to distribute drugs.
Authorities say targeting suppliers operating in the dark web ecosystem remains a priority as online drug markets continue to expand globally. The National Organised Crime Group has pledged to maintain pressure on importers and distributors who rely on hidden online services to run their operations.
Police did not release details about arrests or charges related to the investigation but confirmed that inquiries into the suspected network remain ongoing.
Reports are sourced from official documents, law-enforcement updates, and credible investigations.
Discover additional reports, market trends, crime analysis and Harm Reduction articles on DarkDotWeb to stay informed about the latest dark web operations.
