A former top Whangarei policeman charged with supplying methamphetamine and cannabis to a woman has lost his bid to keep his name secret.

Name suppression for Detective Sergeant Mike Blowers lapsed at 5pm today after his lawyer decided not to appeal against name suppression being lifted to the Court of Appeal.

Blowers, 43, is facing a charge of supplying the Class A drug methamphetamine and another of selling cannabis to a person over the age of 18.

Supplying methamphetamine, or P as it is known, carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Police allege both offences happened between June 1, 2011, and June 30, 2012 while Blowers was still employed in a senior position by police in Whangarei.

Blowers has denied the charges.

Suppression still covers Blowers' current employer and his address.

He has also been ordered not to apply for another passport or travel document. He must also not contact the complainant or any associates named by the prosecution.

Northland police today confirmed the alleged offending took place while Blowers was a police officer.

He is no longer a police employee.

Northland District Commander Superintendent Russell Le Prou said police relied on the trust and confidence of the public and took any criminal allegations against police officers seriously.

"The allegations are very disappointing and undermine the good work done by all staff in the Northland District."

Mr Le Prou said the investigation started when a member of staff came forward with their concerns.

"It is encouraging when my staff feel they can report activities of other staff they are concerned about."

For more articles from this region, go to NORTHERN ADVOCATE