Record GBL seizure at the border leads to four arrests

Thursday 28 August 2025 · 5 outlets · 5 reports · updated Thu 28 Aug 2025, 7:02pm

In this story NZ Police, NZ Customs Service

Police and Customs seized approximately 1,950 litres of gamma butyrolactone, also known as liquid ecstasy, during a six-month investigation called Operation Hermes. The drug has an estimated street value of $14 million. Four men, aged between 38 and 75, have appeared in a Wellington court following the seizure.

How they headlined it

6:13pm7:02pm

1. NZ HeraldThu 28 Aug 2025, 6:13pm

   Largest-ever GBL haul: $14m worth seized, four arrested in Wellington (opens in new tab)

2. StuffThu 28 Aug 2025, 6:21pm

   Largest ever border seizure of GBL drug made, in Police and Customs joint operation (opens in new tab)

3. 1NewsThu 28 Aug 2025, 6:24pm

   NZ's largest haul of Fantasy seized at the border, four arrested (opens in new tab)

4. RNZThu 28 Aug 2025, 6:30pm

   Largest-ever import of liquid ecstasy seized at border with street value of $14 million (opens in new tab)

5. Otago Daily TimesThu 28 Aug 2025, 7:02pm

   Largest-ever import of liquid ecstasy seized at border (opens in new tab)