Six men have been remanded in custody following their appearance in court in Rakiraki, amidst charges related to an alleged drug trafficking operation intercepted in western Fiji. The group includes four Ecuadorian nationals and two local men from Veisaru in Ba. The local individuals are Australian national Bainivalu Suguturaga, 26, and Munendra, 39, while the Ecuadorians are Luciano Enrique Mero Sanchez, 46, Jonathan Javier Solorzano Bermello, 30, Ramon Isidro Vega Parraga, 52, and Alejandro Juvenal Yagual Gonzalez, 47.
The men appeared before the Rakiraki Magistrates Court after authorities intercepted a suspected trafficking operation in Vatia waters, which lies between Ba and Tavua, in January. This operation came to light following months of intelligence work focusing on a suspected transnational drug trafficking network.
State Prosecutor John Rabuku expressed opposition to bail, citing the severe nature of the charges and the large quantity of drugs allegedly retrieved. According to reports, the suspects employed a semi-submersible vessel, referred to as a narco-sub, to transport cocaine into the region.
Police previously indicated that the interception took place on January 15 and is part of a larger investigation, with a further seven suspects currently being questioned. During the court session, defense attorneys raised concerns regarding the treatment of Suguturaga and Munendra during their arrest, alleging they were assaulted. Both local men have requested medical assistance for injuries they claim were sustained at that time.
While Suguturaga and Munendra are in search of private legal representation, the four Ecuadorians will receive assistance from legal aid services. The case has been adjourned until the 5th of next month as investigations continue, reflecting the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat drug trafficking in the region. This incident highlights the challenges Fiji faces in addressing transnational crime, but also underscores the law enforcement’s commitment to maintaining safety and security within its waters.
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