Shonal Sharma, a 40-year-old General Manager from Tamavua, has been released on a $5,000 cash bail after being charged with unlawful importation of cocaine. He appeared today before Senior Magistrate Sufia Hamza at the Suva Magistrate’s Court concerning a suspicious shipment intercepted while entering Fiji from Brazil.
The package, described as a “smoke machine,” arrived in Fiji on October 25 and raised alarms during inspection when a drug detection dog indicated the presence of narcotics. A thorough examination revealed that the shipment contained a concealed motherboard with approximately 640 grams of a white powdered substance, which was subsequently confirmed to be cocaine.
Following this discovery, law enforcement executed a controlled delivery, leading to Sharma’s arrest on October 30 in the car park of his company, where he was found in possession of the package. His legal team includes prominent lawyers Devanesh Sharma, Gul Fatima, and Amrit Chand, and he has been released under strict bail conditions.
The case is set for further proceedings on January 16, 2026, at which time a plea is expected to be entered. This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of Fijian law enforcement agencies, including the Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, to combat drug trafficking in the region. Recent arrests underscore the authorities’ commitment to tackling drug-related offenses, instilling hope in the community that continued vigilance and decisive action can lead to a safer environment for all.
As the investigation unfolds, Fijian authorities are dedicated to dismantling drug trafficking networks and ensuring public safety, sending a clear message that illicit activities will face serious repercussions.