Two Chinese nationals were apprehended during a recent drug raid and have raised claims of being robbed of nearly $10,000. Xu Qian, 38, and Wang An, 38, faced Magistrate Mareta Tikoisuva at the Nadi Magistrate’s Court, where they sought assistance to formally report their missing valuables to the police.
Their defense lawyer, Rajshneel Chand, reported that Xu Qian’s bag containing $7,000 and his passport was allegedly stolen, while Wang An reported losing $A100 (approximately $FJ148.07) and $5,000 Vanuatu Vatu (about $FJ94.5). Mr. Chand emphasized that the pair had already informed police investigators about their missing items and were directed to file a formal complaint.
The court acknowledged their request, and Magistrate Tikoisuva instructed police escorts to assist in securing a Chinese translator, facilitating the formal complaint process. The two men face serious charges of unlawful possession of illicit drugs after being found with approximately 806 grams of methamphetamine.
Their arrest on September 23 occurred at an Airbnb in Martintar, Nadi, where they were also discovered to be on tourist visas. As the legal proceedings move forward, the case was transferred to the High Court in Lautoka, where the next hearing is scheduled for October 6.
This incident is part of a larger strategy by Fiji’s law enforcement agencies to clamp down on illicit drug activities within the country, indicating a robust response to rising drug-related incidents. Previous raids have similarly resulted in substantial drug and cash seizures, showcasing authorities’ commitment to enhancing community safety. As law enforcement continues to address these issues, there is a renewed hope for significant progress in combating drug-related crimes in Fiji, fostering an environment of safety and accountability.