The man's interim name suppression was continued during a bail hearing at Wellington District Court. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
One of the men accused of supplying drugs on social media following police raids in two affluent Wellington suburbs will continue to keep his name secret for now.
The 29-year-old and another man were arrested late last month after a series of police searches in Khandallah and Hataitai that saw cash, cocaine, and cars seized.
He has denied 15 charges including the supply and possession of drugs, and money laundering.
The man elected a trial by jury and was granted interim name suppression earlier in December, which was continued during a bail hearing on Thursday at Wellington District Court.
His lawyer's argument for permanent name suppression will be heard in April, so interim name suppression will continue until then.
The man was granted bail.
His co-accused, a 31-year-old man, is due to appear in court on Monday.
Police said the searches came after a two-month investigation into the supply of drugs in Wellington.
They claimed the men were selling a significant amount of cocaine via social media and encrypted applications, reaching an "audience of up to 500 people".
During the raids they seized about $50,000 in cash, three vehicles, and 9kg of cannabis with a street value of more than $75,000.
Residents who witnessed the [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/535224/police-raid-in-affluent-wellington-suburb-surprises-locals
Khandallah raid] on Lucknow Terrace reported seeing a flurry of police activity for several hours, with plain clothed officers ferrying brown paper bags into unmarked cars.
They said the targeted house was known for its "expensive-looking, big cars" - reportedly a mustang, a ute, and a BMW.
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