Baltej Singh has been convicted in one of New Zealand’s largest drug trafficking cases. Intelligence sources confirm that Singh, the nephew of Indira Gandhi’s assassin Satwant Singh, was sentenced to 22 years in prison by the Auckland High Court on Friday for his role in the possession and distribution of 700 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Singh was arrested in 2023 after a police raid in Manukau uncovered a large drug consignment hidden within pallets of beer cans. The investigation began following the tragic death of 21-year-old Aidel Sagala, who unknowingly consumed methamphetamine disguised as beer.
The Investigation and Conviction
The death of Sagala set off a widespread probe that eventually led to the conviction of Himatjit Jimmy Singh Kahlon, who was found guilty of manslaughter. Kahlon denied administering a fatal dose, instead claiming he had been deceived by a trusted associate. Intelligence sources have identified this associate as Baltej Singh, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the illicit drug operation.
Despite Singh’s extensive involvement in the methamphetamine trade, he was not charged directly in relation to Sagala’s death. However, his conviction ensures that he will remain behind bars for a minimum of ten years before becoming eligible for parole.
Family Denies Allegations
Singh’s relatives in Punjab have dismissed reports of his conviction, calling them “fake news” and asserting that they have received no official communication regarding the case. However, multiple intelligence inputs have linked him to the drug syndicate and his role in smuggling methamphetamine into New Zealand.
Baltej Singh’s family history has also drawn significant attention. He is the son of Sarwan Singh Agwan, whose brother, Satwant Singh, was one of the two Sikh bodyguards responsible for assassinating former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984. The assassination was carried out in retaliation for “Operation Blue Star,” a military offensive aimed at removing militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Connections to Pro-Khalistan Activities
Singh’s past is also marked by alleged involvement in pro-Khalistan activities in New Zealand. Intelligence sources suggest that he maintained close ties with individuals advocating for the separatist movement. His family settled in New Zealand in the 1980s, running a small grocery store in Auckland, but Singh himself gained notoriety due to his familial links and alleged criminal dealings.
Moreover, reports indicate that jailed Lok Sabha MP and radical Khalistan supporter Amritpal Singh shares close ties with one of Baltej Singh’s uncles, further deepening suspicions regarding his ideological leanings.
A Major Blow to Drug Syndicates
New Zealand authorities have not officially confirmed Singh’s identity, but intelligence inputs suggest that his arrest and conviction mark a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking in the country. The seizure of such a large quantity of methamphetamine underscores the growing influence of transnational crime networks and the persistent challenge faced by law enforcement agencies.
As authorities continue their crackdown on drug-related crimes, the sentencing of Baltej Singh sends a strong message about the severe consequences of participating in the illicit drug trade.
