Four Bay men accused of P-dealing refused bail

Four Bay men charged with drug dealing offences appeared in Tauranga District Court yesterday. File/Photo

Four men accused of being involved in dealing substantial amounts of methamphetamine in the Bay of Plenty have been refused bail.

Stacy Walton Paora, 29, Mark Tane Morgan, 31, Joshua Petersen, 27, and Daytona Byron Ranui, 27, who appeared in Tauranga District Court todayon a raft of drug dealing charges, all sought bail.

The defendants are all jointly charged with conspiring to supply methamphetamine, supplying the drug and participating in an organised criminal group.

Petersen also faced other charges including cultivating cannabis and unlawful possession of a pistol.

The charges stemmed from a year-long covert operation by Bay of Plenty police officers targeting the Head Hunters motorcycle gang.

Police opposed bail.

Judge Thomas Ingram said despite the defence lawyers' arguments that strict bail terms would mitigate concerns, he was not satisfied their clients met the legal test for bail.

All four defendants were further remanded in custody to next appear in court on March 9.

On that date they would be expected to enter pleas to the charges they face.