Pair facing drug charges released on bail

A MAN and woman have been released on bail following a Central Otago drugs bust this week.

Shayde PalmerKing was charged with possessing the classA drug methamphetamine for the purpose of supply and possessing a firearm, while his 20yearold coaccused, Tamara Pomare faces the same drugs charge and another of possessing cannabis for supply, after the Alexandra operation.

The pair came before Judge Kevin Phillips in the Dunedin District Court yesterday following a brief appearance in the Alexandra court on Tuesday.

The judge granted them bail subject to a range of conditions.

Pomare was ordered to reside at a Waitaki address with a 9pmto7am curfew, not to consume drugs or alcohol and not to contact her codefendant.

PalmerKing was bailed to Mataura on a 24hour curfew.

He too was barred from possessing or consuming alcohol or drugs and from communicating with Pomare.

The man was also ordered to surrender his passport and not to possess or use any internetcapable devices.

Police searched a Centennial Ave property at 6.45am Tuesday and seized ‘‘a substantial amount’’ of cash, several grams of methamphetamine, an illegal firearm and a loaded magazine, Detective Sergeant Brian Cameron said after the raid.

Arrests of the defendants occurred without incident, police said, after temporary road blocks were put in place and the armed offenders squad secured the premises.

A third person arrested at the time was released without charge.

Pomare will return to the Alexandra District Court next month.

PalmerKing will be back next week.