Security was exceptionally tight at North Shore District Court on Tuesday for the appearance of prison inmates accused of being involved in an elaborate drug ring.
Among them is one of the country's most notorious criminals who has been granted interim name suppression. A court order prevents Radio New Zealand from naming him.
The accused are part of a larger group arrested after a series of raids on 23 properties and at Paremoremo and Springhill prisons.
In total, they face more than 80 charges, including manufacturing and supplying methamphetamine.
About 20 police and a number of security guards were stationed throughout the district court building and screened those coming in and out.
The accused appeared separately: each was chained to a prison officer. They were all remanded in custody to reappear next month.
