The Suva Magistrates Court has granted bail to Shonal Sharma, a 40-year-old General Manager of a mechanical company, amidst serious drug-related charges. Represented by a legal team that includes Devanesh Sharma, Gul Fatima, and Amrit Chand, Sharma appeared in court yesterday, while the state was represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Sharma is charged with importing illicit drugs and has been granted a cash bail of $5,000, along with two non-cash sureties. His bail conditions require him to stay at a fixed address, seek court approval before leaving Viti Levu, and abstain from any interference with ongoing investigations or witnesses. Additionally, he is required to surrender his passport and a stop departure order has been issued against him.
The allegations against Sharma surfaced when a consignment sent to his company from Brazil, which arrived on October 27, was flagged during an inspection. The package, purportedly labeled as a “smoke machine,” was found to contain a device with a white powdered substance weighing approximately 640 grams.
Sharma’s next court appearance is set for January 14, 2026, where he is expected to enter a plea. This case underscores the ongoing efforts of Fijian authorities to tackle drug trafficking, continuing a trend of significant arrests linked to illegal drug activities. The diligence and proactive measures adopted by law enforcement agencies reflect a commitment to public safety and the dismantling of drug trafficking networks, nurturing optimism for a safer community.