A father and son have appeared in court accused of importing
cocaine and P into New Zealand.
Joseph Lance Evans, 50, and his 21-year-old son Seth Neita
Evans briefly appeared in Tauranga District Court today to
face joint charges of importing the Class A drugs, possession
of cocaine and P for supply, and supplying both drugs.
Evans senior is also charged with possession of cocaine for
supply and supplying cocaine.
Earlier, he was also charged with 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 Mt Maunganui
apartment block last month. Forensic analysis revealed they
contained 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 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 because there was a risk he may interfere
with the ongoing police inquiry.
Evans junior's lawyer Bill Nabney argued his client should be
bailed on reasonable conditions because he has a serious
heart condition and requires urgent surgery.
Judge Rollo told Evans junior 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 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-hour home curfew unless in
the company of his mother and surrendering any passports to
the court.
He is also banned from having any contact with his father and
possessing and using any cellphone and any internet connected
device.
Mr Brazier early said more arrests were likely.
- Sandra Conchie of the Bay of Plenty Times
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