Lautoka drug case: State won’t rely on caution interview as pre-trial set for September 11

State says it will not rely on caution interview in Lautoka drug case; pre-trial conference set for September 11

State lawyer Rukalesi Uce told the High Court in Lautoka yesterday that the State will not rely on the caution interview of drug-accused Grace Katia Liuvoliga. Liuvoliga and co-accused Alzaid Shain Rizwan Ali are alleged to have transported more than 12.3 kilograms of cocaine on February 15 last year. The pair are said to have been moving the drugs from Vuda Bypass Road to Field 40 in Lautoka when they were intercepted by police. The matter was before Justice Riyaz Hamza and has been adjourned to September 11 to set a date for the pre-trial conference hearing.

This case follows earlier reporting that Rizwan Ali and Liuvoliga had missed previous court dates, for which they were warned of bench warrants and questioned about the validity of their medical excuses. The drug haul involved, reported as over 12.3 kilograms of cocaine seized on February 15 of the prior year, underscores the ongoing efforts of Fiji’s judiciary to tackle serious drug trafficking and uphold court attendance and process.

Commentary:
– The decision not to rely on the caution interview may affect how statements are used at trial and could influence defense strategy.
– The adjournment gives more time to schedule the pre-trial conference and organize related submissions.
– The case highlights ongoing public safety concerns in Lautoka and the judiciary’s ongoing focus on combating major drug trafficking networks in Fiji.

Summary in Fijian
Na ivakaraitaki ni itukutuku oqo e baleti ira na lewe ni matanitu kei na lawa me baleta na matai o Liuvoliga kei na co-accused o Rizwan Ali, ka tukuna e dua na vulavula ni State ni sega ni tauyavutaki na “caution interview.” E tukuna talega ni a curu ki na 12.3 na kilokaracia ni cocaine ena Februari 15 qai kaya ni sa vakasaqara na vanua mai Vuda Bypass Road ki Field 40 e Lautoka, ka vakamau na paipili. Na matai o Justice Riyaz Hamza e curu ki Septemapa 11 me tadewasou tiko kina na pre-trial conference. E tukuna talega ena ilawalawa ni so na itukutuku i muri ni mate ki na veika a vakayacori oti, a vakacudruci kina na lotu ni zbai kei na veivakabulai ni nona vosa. Na itovaki oqo e sa lailai vulavula ki na matanitu kei na lawa ena lavaki kina na kedra ioti ni itukutuku ni vuli ni fasilaiti ni ya kece.

Additional comments:
– The update reinforces the pattern of serious drug cases in Lautoka and the court’s emphasis on procedural timelines and attendance.
– If more details emerge about the pre-trial conference, readers can expect further updates on witnesses, evidence handling, and potential plea negotiations.