Viliame Colowaliku, one of the key defendants in the significant drug trafficking case involving a 4.15-tonne methamphetamine haul, appeared in the High Court in Lautoka on July 2, 2025, to deny allegations related to the case. Colowaliku stated that he did not see the contents of a container spilling while they were unloading materials at Voivoi, Nadi, on December 29, 2023. He described how he was offered a construction job by co-accused Sakiusa Tuva just days earlier, accepting the work to support his children’s education for the upcoming school year.
During his testimony, Colowaliku explained that he was called back to the site to assist with carrying building materials when a container fell, revealing crystals that were later confirmed as methamphetamine. Justice Aruna Aluthge questioned why he did not immediately report this to the police, to which Colowaliku responded that he did not trust law enforcement and was uncertain where to seek help.
Cross-examined by State lawyer Joeli Nasa, Colowaliku faced accusations of previous drug possession charges and lying to police during an earlier interview. Nasa asserted that the container indeed had spilled during unloading, a claim Colowaliku vehemently denied, maintaining that he fled upon witnessing the crystals. The prosecution presented evidence suggesting he had previously dealt with drugs, a suggestion he refuted.
As the trial progresses, the defense has formally concluded its case, and the court has scheduled another hearing for oral submissions from both parties on July 11, with final written submissions due by July 14. The judgment is anticipated on the latter date.
This trial is a crucial part of Fiji’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking. The complexities unveiled in Colowaliku’s testimony reflect the intricate web of involvement in this criminal network. Testimonies from other defendants have similarly highlighted feelings of coercion and a lack of awareness about the extent of the operations they were unknowingly part of, contributing to a broader narrative of community resilience against such crimes.
Community hopes remain high that a thorough judicial process will lead to accountability and serve as a deterrent to future drug-related offenses, ultimately fostering a safer environment for all Fijians.
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