A 40-year-old General Manager from Tamavua, Shonal Sharma, has been granted release on a $5000 cash bail after being charged with the unlawful importation of cocaine. He appeared today before Senior Magistrate Sufia Hamza at the Suva Magistrate’s Court in connection with the interception of a suspicious shipment from Brazil.
The package, which was indicated as a “smoke machine,” arrived in Fiji on October 25 and subsequently raised suspicions during inspection due to a detection by a drug detector dog. Upon inspection, authorities discovered a concealed motherboard that contained approximately 640 grams of a white powdered substance, which later tested positive for cocaine.
Following the discovery, a controlled delivery was executed, leading to Sharma’s arrest on October 30 at his company’s car park where he was found in possession of the package. His legal representation includes Senior Lawyers Devanesh Sharma, Gul Fatima, and Amrit Chand, and he has been released under strict bail conditions.
The case has been scheduled for further proceedings on January 16, 2026, during which a plea is expected to be entered. This incident is part of a broader strategy by Fijian law enforcement agencies, including the Fiji Police Force and Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, to combat drug trafficking within the region. Recent high-profile arrests emphasize the seriousness with which authorities are addressing drug-related offenses, fostering hope that these continuous efforts will lead to a safer environment for all residents.
As investigations continue, the Fijian authorities remain committed to dismantling drug trafficking networks and ensuring public safety, reinforcing the message that illicit activities will be met with decisive action.