Iliesa Cokanasiga, a foreign national, was apprehended shortly before the significant seizure of 2.6 tonnes of cocaine in Vatia, marking a major drug bust. Cokanasiga was arrested in Nadi on January 12, while the cocaine seizure occurred on January 15. In connection with this case, six individuals have been brought before the court for their alleged roles in the importation of illicit drugs valued at over half a billion dollars.
The accused include four foreign nationals as well as two men from Veisaru in Ba. Despite being taken into custody three days prior to the cocaine seizure, Cokanasiga made his initial court appearance recently. Court documents reveal that the others brought to court alongside him—Jonathan Hill, Ponipate Mateyawa, John Taotala, and Merewalesi Qolimaiwaqa—were arrested on January 17 in Nadi, although they are residents of Suva.
Authorities allege that between November 1, 2025, and January 15, 2026, the defendants conspired with one another and other individuals to unlawfully import, transport, transfer, and store a total of 2,644 kilograms of illegal drugs in and around Fiji. In addition to the conspiracy charge, Cokanasiga faces two counts related to possessing items believed to be proceeds of crime, as he was reportedly found with $6,000 in cash at the time of his arrest.
Qolimaiwaqa and Taotala have also been charged with one count each for possession of suspected proceeds of crime, having been found with a Jet Land gasoline AVR generator, a raincoat, extension wire, and a quantity of fuel. Hill, similarly, faces charges for possession of suspected proceeds of crime after allegedly being caught with $1,000 in cash.
The case has been transferred to Lautoka High Court and is set to be heard on February 5. The Fiji Police Force has indicated that their investigations are ongoing, suggesting that additional arrests may be forthcoming as inquiries progress. This development highlights the authorities’ commitment to tackling drug-related crimes in Fiji, aiming to disrupt supply chains and ensure justice.
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