A Tauranga father and son accused of importing cocaine and P into New Zealand, possession of up to $1m worth of the drugs, and dealing the drugs have appeared in court today.
Joseph Lance Evans, 50, and his 21-year-old son Seth Neita Evans who briefly appeared in Tauranga District Court today faced joint charges of importing the Class A drugs cocaine and P, possession of cocaine and P for supply, and supplying both drugs.
Evans senior is also charged alone with possession of cocaine for supply and supplying cocaine.
Earlier, he was also charged with other charges of possession of P for supply, selling methamphetamine and offering to supply the drug.
Police say the new charges stem from the alleged seizure of two bags of white powder during a raid at a Mount Maunganui apartment block last month, which after forensic analysis were found to contain 130g of cocaine and 220g of methamphetamine.
Detective Sergeant Darryl Brazier said depending upon purity the potential street value for the cocaine is between $220,000 to $1m, and the methamphetamine alone approximately $220,000.
Evans senior, who is yet to plead to any of the charges, was further remanded in custody by Judge Peter Rollo. He is due back in court on March 11.
He is due to be committed to trial on the original set of charges on February 25 but his attendance at court is excused on that date.
Police opposed bail for Seth Evans when he also appeared before Judge Rollo this afternoon.
Police prosecutor David Pawson argued Evans junior should remain in custody as there was a risk that he may interfere with the ongoing police inquiry.
Evans junior's lawyer Bill Nabney argued that his client should be bailed on reasonable conditions as he has a serious heart condition and requires urgent surgery.
Judge Rollo told Evans that despite the police opposition he was satisfied he could grant him bail but warned him his bail would be revoked unless he strictly complied with all his bail terms.
Evans, who is yet to enter pleas to the charges has been bailed subject to a raft of conditions, and is due back in court again on March 8.
His bail conditions include a 24 hours a day home curfew unless in the company of his mother, and surrendering any passports to the court.
He also banned from having any contact with his father, possessing and using any cellphone and any internet connected device.
Mr Brazier early said more arrests were likely.
