Customs has arrested a 66-year-old Auckland man today for allegedly smuggling 10 kilograms of the illegal drug commonly called kamini pills into New Zealand from India. He is scheduled to appear in the Manukau District Court later this afternoon.

Following two months of enquiries, in September 2025 Customs investigators conducted search warrants at a business address and residential address in Auckland after finding the pills, which had been concealed in packets of snacks in a container of goods from India. The pills were sent for testing.

Analysis by New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) certified the pills as kamini, which contained class B and C controlled drugs.

Kamini is a type of traditional Indian herbal medicine. The import, supply and possession of kamini without a prescription is prohibited in New Zealand.

Chief Customs Officer Fraud and Prohibition, Nigel Barnes, says this was an intelligence-led investigation that followed the illicit supply chain from the border to distribution in the community.

“The evidence gathered from this investigation suggests a well-organised illicit operation, which has resulted in the arrest of this man. Kamini is a cause of concern – it contains opioids and there is a high risk of dependency. Customs wants to stop these products from entering New Zealand communities where they can cause harm,” Mr Barnes said.

“We would like to advise the public, including New Zealand’s Indian communities, that importing or possessing kamini without a prescription is prohibited, and more than being illegal, it can also have significant consequences on a person’s health.”

Customs encourages anyone who has concerns about the possible smuggling of kamini to contact us confidentially on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768), or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

What is kamini?

• Kamini is a herbal medicine that contains opium.
• It may also contain high levels of hazardous substances like lead and mercury.
• It is popular amongst the Southern Asian community and followers of Ayurvedic or Unani medicine. Some people use it in the belief it will help them stay awake so they can work long hours or that it will improve sexual function.
• Kamini comes in the form of small pellets, swallowed like tablets.
• Kamini is a Class B controlled drug in New Zealand making them illegal to import, sell, supply, possess or consume.

[Source: Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora]

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