Shonal Sharma, the General Manager of a mechanical company, has been detained following allegations of importing over 600 grams of cocaine from Brazil. The 40-year-old appeared before Senior Magistrate Sufia Hamza in a Suva court, where her ruling reflected the serious nature of the charges.
According to reports, a collaborative operation by the Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service led to Sharma’s arrest, alongside three other individuals who were later released. The contraband, disguised as a “smoke machine,” arrived in Fiji last week and was flagged during inspection, prompting further investigation. It was identified with the aid of a police drug detection dog and revealed to contain a concealed motherboard housing approximately 640 grams of the narcotic substance.
During the hearing, Police Prosecutor Constable Walter Taito submitted the necessary disclosures and did not contest bail. However, Magistrate Hamza indicated that the court would assess the situation independently, despite the Prosecution’s stance. Defense Counsel Feizal Haniff informed the court that Sharma is prepared to offer a cash bond, provide sureties, and surrender his travel documents.
The case has been adjourned until tomorrow, showcasing the legal system’s ongoing response to drug-related offenses. This incident is part of a broader crackdown by Fijian authorities on drug trafficking, reflecting a determined approach to enhance public safety and dismantle illegal drug operations across the region.
As investigations continue, there remains hope that the collective efforts by law enforcement will lead to a significant downturn in drug-related crimes, ultimately fostering a safer community for all residents in Fiji.