A Lower Hutt teacher who allegedly imported a Class C drug commonly used for euthanasia may face further charges.
Susan Dale Austen, 65, is currently facing two charges of importing pentobarbitone - known as Nembutal - between March 2012 and September 2016.
Supporters of legalising euthanasia rallied with placards at her appearance in the Wellington District Court on Friday morning, before crowding into the court room.
Austen was charged after police went to the homes of nine activists in October last year.
They were identified during a police operation when officers pulled over seven cars after a pro-euthanasia meeting, under the guise of a breath-testing checkpoint.
The meeting was being run by Exit International - a pro-euthanasia advocacy group headed by Dr Philip Nitschke, known as Dr Death.
Newshub spoke to the activists, who wished to remain anonymous, outside court on Friday morning.
They said the charges were "devious and unnecessary".
"The police should be in court today, not Suzy. They set up an illegal unjust road block.
"I was stopped at four o'clock in the afternoon, breath-tested, name and address taken and I think it was a total waste of time and resources.
"It's a free country and everyone has the right to a peaceful death and has the right to talk about it"
Austen has been remanded on bail until March 24. She has yet to enter a plea.
Newshub.
