Recent court documents reveal that the State filed an application in May 2024 to destroy 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine that had been seized in January 2024. The Fiji Police Force voiced concerns about the risks associated with holding such a significant amount of drugs at the Nasinu Police Mobile Unit. Their investigations suggested that maintaining the drugs could jeopardize the integrity of the criminal justice process due to potential interference.
On December 13, 2024, Justice Aruna Aluthge of the Lautoka High Court ordered the destruction of the methamphetamine after considering affidavits and evidence presented. Under Section 30 of the Illicit Drugs Control Act, the law requires that if a sample is scientifically confirmed as a seized illicit drug, the Commissioner of Police can apply to the court for an order to dispose of it, if preservation is deemed unnecessary for ongoing legal proceedings.
The court heard from Acting Assistant Superintendent of Police Josua Vosaki, who explained that the methamphetamine has been stored in police custody at the Mobile Force Unit. A scientific analysis from the Fiji Police Forensic Laboratory confirmed the nature of the drugs, and photographs have been taken for evidence.
However, the ten individuals charged in this case expressed opposition to the destruction of the drugs. They claimed the need for independent analysis, citing issues with the analyst’s report and the chain of custody. Although they were advised to pursue independent tests, no formal applications were made before the court. The judge emphasized that while disputes about weight and purity matter for sentencing, the issue can be addressed at trial without additional independent testing.
Given the sheer volume of the drugs, Justice Aluthge acknowledged that it is impractical to store them securely until the trial, set for April 2025. There have been past incidents of seized drugs going missing, and the judge underlined the serious public health and safety risks associated with the potential theft or mishandling of such a large quantity of methamphetamine.
The court issued stringent orders for the destruction of the drugs, which include authorizing a police officer of a specified rank to oversee incineration or safe disposal. Notification protocols before destruction will ensure transparency, and legal representatives of the defendants may observe the process. Overall, the court aims to conduct the disposal in a manner that maintains oversight and adheres to judicial processes.
This ruling highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to prioritize public safety and the integrity of the justice system while managing significant quantities of illicit drugs. The measures put in place illustrate a commitment to transparency and accountability within the judiciary, reinforcing the importance of trust in the criminal justice process.
Summary: Recent developments in the Lautoka High Court have led to an order for the destruction of 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine that was seized earlier this year. While the defendants opposed the destruction, claiming the need for independent testing, the court ruled in favor of disposal to prevent risks to public safety and the integrity of the judicial process. The court has established strict protocols for the destruction to ensure transparency and accountability.
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