The man accused of manslaughter over the death of a 21-year-old who unknowingly drank liquid methamphetamine can finally be revealed.
Himatjit Singh Kahlon is facing drug charges and one charge of manslaughter in relation to the importation of large quantities of methamphetamine discovered by police in March as part of Operation Lavender.
He's pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Aiden Sagala died on March 7 in Auckland City Hospital after drinking from a can labelled 'Honey Bear House Beer' which contained liquid methamphetamine.
His family told Newshub Aiden was a "man of God" who was innocent and whose death ultimately saved the lives of others because it raised the alarm.
Trays of the cans were found by police at a commercial building on Ryan Place in Manukau in March. A record 747 kilograms of methamphetamine was recovered, which included liquid meth extracted from the cans and drugs found in crystal form.
Sagala's death sparked an investigation and a public health warning from police who urged others not to consume the cans.
Himatjit Kahlon, 40, sought name suppression on the basis that publication could prejudice his right to a fair trial, but the judge has declined it.
A trial for Kahlon and another man has been set for October 2024.
