Three police officers and two civilians accused of tampering with methamphetamine kept as evidence at Totogo Police Station in Suva have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Police officers Roy Senibici, Inoke Tikomaimalevani, and Samisoni Ralulu, along with civilians Anare Buresolei and Anare Buresolei Vulaki, are charged with interfering with evidence and conspiracy to defeat justice.
The five men appeared last week at the Suva Magistrate’s Court.
According to DPP lawyer Alisha Lal, who was acting on instructions from the officer in charge of the case, Naazish Ali, no admissions were made during the caution interview by the policemen and Mr. Vulaki. However, Ms. Lal informed the court that Mr. Buresolei admitted to both counts.
It is alleged that between February 9 and 10 this year, as joint principals or secondary offenders, they either aided or abetted in tampering with the seized drugs during an operation by the Southern Division Police Operation team.
Bail has been extended, and the case has been adjourned to August 1.