The Suva Magistrates Court has granted bail to 40-year-old Shonal Sharma, who serves as the General Manager of a mechanical company. He appeared in court yesterday, represented by a legal team including Devanesh Sharma, Gul Fatima, and Amrit Chand, while the state was represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Sharma faces one charge of importing illicit drugs. He was granted a cash bail of $5,000, accompanied by two non-cash sureties. As part of his bail conditions, he must reside at a fixed address, refrain from leaving Viti Levu without court approval, and avoid any interference with the ongoing investigation or witnesses. Furthermore, he has been ordered to surrender his passport, along with a stop departure order being issued against him.
The allegations against Sharma emerged after a consignment addressed to his company, which arrived on October 27 from Brazil, was flagged during inspection. The package, ostensibly labeled as a “smoke machine,” contained a device that was subsequently found to hold a white powdered substance weighing approximately 640 grams.
Sharma’s next court date is scheduled for January 14, 2026, where he will enter a plea. This case highlights ongoing efforts by Fijian authorities to combat drug trafficking, following a series of significant arrests connected to illicit drug activities. The proactive measures taken by law enforcement illustrate a dedication to public safety and the dismantling of drug trafficking networks, fostering a hope for a safer community.