School P-find accused given name suppression

Safety fears have led to interim name suppression being granted for a 35-year-old man facing drug charges after methamphetamine laboratory equipment and chemicals were found in a rubbish skip at Christchurch's Windsor School.

The man was arrested last night, the day after the discovery in the bin, which was close to where a children's holiday programme was taking place. The site has since been cleaned up and made safe by the removal of the potentially volatile chemicals.

Defence counsel Serina Bailey told Christchurch District Court today that the detective in charge of the inquiry accepted that the man had real fears for his safety. She indicated he had not yet decided whether to assist with the police investigation.

Police inquiries were continuing and they were interested in talking to the man.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Paul Brocas acknowledged there might well be other persons involved. He suggested a short remand so the police could present their views about suppression next week.

The police did not oppose bail and Judge John Bisphan remanded the man to Tuesday and granted the suppression order.

The man is charged that on September 27, in the suburb of Burwood, he possessed glassware, a heating unit, a coffee grinder, plastic tubing, and an HCL generator capable of being used to produce methamphetamine.

He is also charged with possessing the precursor substances pseudo-ephedrine and sulphate acid used for production of methamphetamine.

He did not enter a plea to either charge.

- NZPA