The defence for Himatjit Kahlon has closed in his manslaughter trial following the death of 21-year-old Aiden Sagala who unknowingly drank a can of beer that contained liquid methamphetamine.
Kahlon gave Honey Bear Beers to Sagala for being a “good worker” at Fonterra — where Kahlon was a team leader and Sagala had been working prior to his death in March 2023.
Police arrested Kahlon on March 28 and, in an interview, he said a friend — who cannot be named but has pleaded guilty to drugs charges — “fooled” him.
Kahlon and his friend would drink at a warehouse in Manukau where 700kg of methamphetamine was later discovered as part of a police raid under Operation Lavender.
Defence lawyer Emma Priest told the High Court jury that her client had no knowledge of what was inside the cans and that Kahlon was “duped” by his friend.
“If Mr Kahlon knew or had any appreciation that there was drugs in the beer cans that he was dealing with, he would not be handing them out in huge quantities to colleagues and friends.
“He would not have them in his fridge at home.”
Kahlon’s “kind nature” was what had gotten him into trouble, she said.
“His blind trust of people, I suggest this will help you to understand how he got dragged into these very serious charges that he now faces.”
Priest told the jury that they might think him naïve but they “have to be sure he is lying”.
“I suggest that Kahlon is honest — foolish but honest.”
Crown lawyer Robin McCoubrey yesterday told the jury that Kahlon was “grossly negligent” and responsible for manslaughter because he was in control of the cans and took no precautions before handing them out.
“It is what it looks like. Two men in a warehouse knowingly processing controlled drugs, the evidence all points that way.
“You don’t have to have diamonds on your timepiece or tigers on a gold leash, you don’t have to own a Hacienda in Columbia to be involved in the meth trade.”
The trial is continuing.
