Trio faces dugs charges

JIMMY ELLINGHAM

Three people arrested in police drug bust Operation Stamp have made brief court appearances, with one likely to enter pleas to drugs charges in a couple of weeks.

At Palmerston North District Court yesterday, city tattoo artist Herre van Niekerken was remanded on electronic bail by Judge Barbara Morris until April 14, when defence lawyer Simon Hewson said pleas are likely to be entered on some charges.

Van Niekerken faces one charge each of possession of methamphetamine for supply, conspiring to deal and having equipment or material with intent. He has been named by police as a member of the Rebels Motorcycle gang, which has recently set up in New Zealand. His bail conditions, however, prohibit any contact with gang members.

Palmerston North builder Tepiwa Peter Keremete Rewai, 24, also made a brief appearance. He was also remanded in custody until April 14. Rewai faces a conspiring to deal methamphetamine charge. Palmerston North roofer Wade James Blackwell, 33, facing the same charge, appeared briefly and was remanded on bail until May 17 for a case review.

In February, 150 police officers arrested 39 people allegedly connected to drug and stolen property operations in Palmerston North, Feilding, Levin, Foxton, Otaki, Whanganui, Murupara, Hamilton, Auckland and Northland.