Police's big find raises questions of larger enterprise

The big find for cops unearthed laptops, cellphones, drugs, jewellery and other items including scales and video equipment. Photo / File

Police are investigating whether a drug operation found in a central Auckland apartment was part of a much bigger selling enterprise.

A couple appeared in Auckland District Court this morning charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to supply.

Police raided the Nelson St apartment of Paul Clark, 52, and Michelle Newton, 49 yesterday.

In a search of the apartment and a nearby storage they found methamphetamine and other drugs, along with 30 laptops, 100 cellphones, iPods, specialist video recording equipment, jewellery and other personal belongings.

They also allegedly found other items including scales and tick-lists of property.

"This was a big find and we are working on the theory it is part of a much larger drugs selling operation," Detective Sergeant Phil Cox said.

Clark was remanded in custody to reappear on October 5.

Newton, who was also charged with possession of methadone, was bailed to the same date.

Defence solicitor David Niven asked Judge Anne Kiernan for the pair to be bailed together because Newton was recovering from a double-hip replacement and Clark was her principal carer. The request was rejected.

The couple could also face charges over the property found at the apartment, police said.