A 29-year-old Swedish tourist has appeared in the Napier District Court on four charges of supplying the party drug GHB and one of assaulting a female over the age of 16.
The man was arrested in Nelson last week, after four patrons at a bar in Napier allegedly had their drinks spiked, and had to be admitted to hospital for treatment.
Police found a substance in the bar which they suspected may have been added to people's drinks.
The Swedish tourist's lawyer on Wednesday sought name suppression for his client, arguing publication could lead to identification of his fiancee who is under a protection programme in Sweden.
Judge David Harvey says the accused faces very serious charges and already has a profile on an internet social networking site.
He granted interim name suppression until next Friday and remanded the man in custody for four weeks.
