A 40-year-old General Manager from Tamavua, Shonal Sharma, has been remanded in custody following charges of unlawfully importing illicit drugs, specifically cocaine. Sharma made his first court appearance in front of Senior Magistrate Sufia Hamza at the Suva Magistrate’s Court, facing a single count related to a substantial drug bust.
The alleged offense took place when a suspicious shipment, falsely identified as a “smoke machine,” arrived in Fiji from Brazil on October 25, 2025. Authorities flagged the package, which was later inspected after detection by a drug detection dog. Upon its opening, officials found a hidden motherboard containing around 640 grams of a white powdery substance, later confirmed to be cocaine through preliminary testing.
Following this discovery, law enforcement agencies initiated a controlled delivery, leading to Sharma’s arrest on October 30 while he was in possession of the shipment in his company car park. His case is set to be adjourned on November 4 to review the bail conditions, with Sharma represented by Senior Lawyer Feizal Haniff.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding drug trafficking within Fiji, which echoes previous incidents of coordinated efforts between the Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service. Recent operations have showcased the authorities’ dedication to combatting the importation of illicit drugs, as evidenced by similar interceptions of significant quantities of narcotics, including methamphetamine.
The proactive stance adopted by Fijian law enforcement provides a hopeful perspective on enhancing public safety and addressing organized crime in the area. Current investigations not only aim to resolve the immediate incidents but also seek to deter future drug offenses, ultimately leading to a more secure environment for the residents of Fiji.