Sixteen individuals linked to the significant seizure of 2.6 tonnes of cocaine in Vatia, Tavua, have been further remanded as their legal proceedings continue. Among those charged are both local residents and foreign nationals, who appeared before Judge Justice Samuela Qica.
Of the 16 defendants, eight have submitted applications for bail. The court plans to schedule a hearing for these bail requests during the next session. The first six arrested face charges of unlawful importation and possession, as well as unlawful entry into Fiji, with pertinent charges targeting foreign nationals. Meanwhile, ten others are accused of conspiracy, having allegedly coordinated efforts with others to unlawfully transport, transfer, and store cocaine.
The initial group of six men charged in connection with the drug trafficking case includes Australian nationals Bainivalu Suguturaga and Munendra, alongside Ecuadorian fishermen Luciano Enrique Mero Sanchez, Jonathan Javier Solorzano Bermello, Ramon Isidro Vega Parraga, and Alejandro Juvenal Yagual Gonzalez. Additionally, five others — John Taotawa, Merewalesi Qolimaiwasa, Jonathan Hill, Iliesa Cokanasiga, and Ponipate Mateyawa — were arrested in Nadi following the major bust that highlighted police efforts in combating drug trafficking.
Also charged are Norman Fisher, Manasa Saladrau, Sunia Vakaloloma, Travis Cheers, and Anaseini Rokolati, who are accused of conspiracy related to the illegal transportation and handling of cocaine weighing approximately 2.6445 tonnes.
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, John Rabuku, has expressed a strong intention to oppose bail for the accused. He has filed an extensive case brief, including 117 statements, to support the prosecution’s claims. Despite defense counsels raising concerns about delays in the proceedings, Rabuku underscored the complexity of the disclosures related to the case.
The court has also indicated that the interconnected nature of the cases may lead to a consolidation of charges. The proceedings have been adjourned until the 20th of next month, allowing time for the legal teams to prepare their arguments. This significant case underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement in Fiji to tackle drug-related crime and protect community safety.
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