A 40-year-old general manager, Shonal Sharma, has been granted an extension of bail in connection with the alleged importation of cocaine from Brazil. Sharma, who resides in Tamavua, Suva, appeared in the Magistrate’s Court in Suva where Magistrate Vinaina Diroiroi adjourned the case until March 3 for further mention.
Sharma faces one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs following the interception of a questionable shipment directed to his company. Authorities claim that the consignment arrived in Fiji on October 25 and was misdeclared as a “smoke machine.” The package drew attention during an inspection when a drug detector dog indicated possible narcotics.
Upon closer examination, officers reportedly discovered a device disguised as a smoke machine, which contained a motherboard concealed within a black cover. Further analysis uncovered approximately 640 grams of a white powdered substance, which preliminary tests identified as cocaine.
In a controlled delivery operation, law enforcement intercepted a vehicle at the company’s parking area on October 30, leading to Sharma’s arrest. The ongoing legal proceedings reflect the increasing vigilance of authorities in tackling drug trafficking in the region.
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