Women facing drug dealing charges named

Police seized 11kg of suspected psychoactive substances following a raid on a Tauranga motel room. Photo/Supplied

The identity of three Tauranga women accused of drug dealing offences after police say they raided a local motel unit and seized 11kg of psychoactive substances can now be revealed.

Gaylene Rose Stokes, 51, Yvette Anne Rihia, 39, Bronwyn Shirley-Anne Noble, 20, faced a joint charge of possession of psychoactive substances for supply when they appeared in Tauranga Registrar's Court today.

Stokes is also solely charged with possession of methamphetamine utensil, namely a pipe for smoking the drug, while Rihia also faced three further drug possession charges.

That is, possession of methamphetamine, ecstasy, and cannabis plant.

The charges stemmed from a police raid at a Tauranga motel unit on July 18 during which police allege they found the psychoactive drugs being packaged up for sale and the other contraband.

All three women, who are yet to enter pleas to the charges, were remanded on bail on strict terms to seek further legal advice.

That included ban on consuming non-prescribed drugs and having any contact with each other.

They are also barred for going to the motel raided by police.

Three defendants next court appearance is on August 6 in the same court, and the trio will be expected to enter pleas to the charges on that date.