Ajai Kumar Punja, a noted businessman in Fiji, appeared in the Nadi Magistrate’s Court on charges of unlawful possession of illicit drugs. He was granted bail after his court session with Magistrate Semi Babitu. The bail was set at $500, secured by a surety, with the next court date scheduled for March 20, when Punja is expected to enter a plea.
The police charged Punja following an incident on February 21, where he was found in possession of 29.5 grams of cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana. During the court proceedings, Punja’s lawyer, Iqbal Khan, conveyed that he had received the necessary disclosures regarding the case and needed further time to review them before his client could respond formally to the charges.
In a similar earlier incident, authorities conducted a raid at Punja’s Denarau property, finding various substances. Forensic analysis indicated that while some items were not illicit drugs, the dried leaves confirmed the presence of marijuana. This enforcement action underscores the ongoing efforts by Fijian authorities to combat drug-related offenses and enhance public safety.
The Fiji Police Force has been actively engaged in a campaign against illegal drug activities, emphasizing community cooperation as vital to maintaining safety. Despite the challenges faced in drug enforcement, there is an optimistic outlook for reducing such incidents through continued vigilance and community involvement.
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