The Suva Magistrates Court has granted an extension of bail for Thakor Punja, who faces three charges of unlawful possession of illicit drugs. The court has scheduled a Pre-Trial Conference for February 19, 2025.
Punja is alleged to have been found with 0.84 grams of methamphetamine, 5.447 grams of cocaine, and 6.6 grams of marijuana. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During the proceedings, Resident-Magistrate Yogesh Prasad allowed time for Punja’s lead defense lawyer, Iqbal Khan, to travel to Australia for an eye surgery he has scheduled. Defense attorney Samuela Heritage appeared on Punja’s behalf while requesting the court to reschedule the matter to later this year to accommodate Khan’s medical needs. The court did not object to this request.
Additionally, the Police Prosecution has provided full disclosures to the defense, which has been confirmed by counsel Heritage.