Five individuals have been charged in connection with the seizure of over $1 billion worth of cocaine in Vatia, Tavua. They have been instructed to submit a notice of alibi by February 5, which will allow them to account for their whereabouts during the alleged offense period.
The suspects, arrested in Nadi on January 17 following a significant drug bust where more than 2.6 tonnes of cocaine was confiscated, appeared in court under the direction of Magistrate Namrata Mishra. The accused individuals include fitness trainer Jonathan Hill, John Taotala from New Zealand, Merewalesi Qolimaiwasa, Iliesa Cokanasiga, and Ponipate Mateyawa. They are charged with conspiracy to unlawfully import illicit drugs and possession of properties believed to be proceeds of crime, allegedly committed between November 1, 2025, and January 17, 2026.
During the court appearance, Magistrate Mishra stipulated that any alibi evidence must be submitted within 21 days before their next appearance in the High Court. Hill, defended by Maria Asinate Raga, also faces an additional charge of possessing $1000 in cash suspected to be derived from criminal activities at the time of arrest.
Taotala and Qolimaiwasa are further charged with having items believed to constitute proceeds of crime, including a generator, a raincoat, extension wires, and 102 liters of fuel. Deputy DPP John Rabuku disclosed that the State plans to consolidate this case with six others currently under consideration in the Magistrate’s Court in Rakiraki, with all cases set to be transferred to the Lautoka High Court.
The matter was adjourned to February 5, and all accused individuals will remain in custody pending further proceedings. This group is the second to be linked to the cocaine seizure off the Vatia coast, with the first group comprising four Ecuadorian nationals and two local individuals already scheduled to appear before the Lautoka High Court on the same date.
This ongoing investigation highlights the efforts of law enforcement to crack down on significant drug trafficking activities in the region, underscoring the serious implications of drug-related crimes in communities.
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