Cocaine Goes Missing as Fiji Court Denies Access to Exhibits

The Lautoka High Court has denied an application by Frederick Epeli, who is facing charges related to a significant cocaine case, for access to vital exhibits tied to the ongoing trial. The court’s decision, delivered by Justice Riyaz Hamza on October 24, 2025, comes in light of the alarming revelation that the seized cocaine, which weighed a total of 2,015.7 grams, has gone missing from the Namaka Police Station.

In his ruling, Justice Hamza emphasized that the court could not permit Epeli or his attorney to inspect the exhibits since the State confirmed the alleged cocaine was no longer available. The disappearance of the drugs was officially noted on December 7, 2020, raising serious concerns about the chain of custody. “Since the State has submitted that the 2,015.7 grams of cocaine is not available, the Court is not in a position to make any orders permitting the Applicant or his Counsel to view or inspect the said exhibits,” he stated.

Epeli sought the opportunity to view the exhibits, inspect their storage, and conduct independent tests on samples. He also requested access to police investigation files related to the mysterious disappearance. However, Justice Hamza ruled that the police investigation file could not be disclosed as it remains a privileged document.

The judge pointed out that it falls on the State during the trial to establish beyond reasonable doubt the provenance of the seized cocaine, a crucial aspect in upholding justice in this high-profile drug trafficking case. Epeli, alongside co-accused Justin Steven Mashi Ho, faces charges of attempting to export the cocaine to Sydney, Australia, on December 23, 2018.

This case has unfolded amidst ongoing legal scrutiny of drug trafficking in the region, reflecting the judiciary’s commitment to addressing such serious offenses. The complexities surrounding the evidence and the recent developments highlight the importance of safeguarding public safety while ensuring fairness for all parties involved. There remains hope that the judicial process will ultimately bring clarity to this troubling case, reinforcing the legal system’s role in combatting drug-related crimes in Fiji.