Accused in Horowhenua drugs case out on bail

One of the people arrested as part of a Horowhenua methamphetamine sting has been given bail but with a warning from a judge that any breaches will result in him being put back behind bars.

Luke William Taylor, 30, was granted electronically monitored bail yesterday by Judge Stephanie Edwards after a hearing in the Palmerston North District Court.

Taylor was arrested as part of Operation Hydrabad, a police operation which focused on drugs being imported into Horowhenua and Manawatu.

He is facing charges of importing methamphetamine, ecstasy and LSD. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and elected trial by jury.

Taylor tried to get bail early this year but was turned down by Edwards because of various concerns.

But the judge yesterday said electronically monitored bail could be given, though any breaches would put Taylor back behind bars.

Taylor's bail came with a long list of conditions, including residing at a Horowhenua address, where he can have no visitors, and a ban on owning or using electronic devices which can access the internet or banking facilities.

He also cannot use a telephone unless contacting his lawyer or in an emergency.

Taylor had already surrendered his passport but was yesterday banned from applying for a passport or any identification documents.

He also cannot apply for a post office box.

He was remanded until a case review date next month.

Another four people were arrested as part of the operation.

One of those people, 29-year-old Andrew Graham Hodgson, was sentenced last year to 12 months' home detention after admitting importing psychoactive substances, methamphetamine and cannabis via the Silk Road website.