A 40-year-old General Manager from Tamavua has been remanded in custody after being charged with the unlawful importation of illicit drugs, specifically cocaine. Shonal Sharma made his initial court appearance before Senior Magistrate Sufia Hamza at the Suva Magistrate’s Court and faces a single count related to a significant drug bust.
The alleged offense occurred when a suspicious shipment, labeled as a “smoke machine,” arrived in Fiji from Brazil on October 25, 2025. This package raised red flags and was inspected by authorities following detection by a drug detector dog. Upon opening the package, officials discovered a concealed motherboard containing approximately 640 grams of white powdered substance, which preliminary tests identified as cocaine.
Following the discovery, law enforcement conducted a controlled delivery, leading to the interception of a vehicle at Sharma’s company car park on October 30, where he was arrested while in possession of the shipment. His case has been adjourned to November 4 to consider bail, while he remains represented by Senior Lawyer Feizal Haniff.
This incident underscores ongoing concerns about drug trafficking in Fiji, echoing previous allegations involving collaboration between the Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service. Recent operations have highlighted the authorities’ commitment to cracking down on illicit drug importation, as seen in similar cases where significant amounts of narcotics, including methamphetamine, have been discovered and intercepted.
Fijian law enforcement’s proactive measures offer a hopeful outlook for improving public safety and tackling organized crime in the region. The ongoing investigations aim not only to address the immediate cases but also to deter future drug offenses, ultimately fostering a safer environment for all residents in Fiji.