Shonal Sharma, the General Manager of a mechanical company, has been detained in connection with the alleged importation of over 600 grams of cocaine from Brazil. The 40-year-old faced Senior Magistrate Sufia Hamza in a Suva court, where the gravity of the charges was made clear.
Reports indicate that Sharma was arrested during a joint operation by the Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service. Three other individuals were also taken in but have since been released. The illegal drugs, camouflaged as a “smoke machine,” arrived in Fiji last week and were flagged during routine inspections. Further investigation, aided by a police drug detection dog, uncovered a concealed motherboard containing around 640 grams of the illicit substance.
During the court hearing, Police Prosecutor Constable Walter Taito provided necessary disclosures and did not oppose bail. Despite this, Magistrate Hamza noted that the court would assess the situation on its own terms. Sharma’s defense attorney, Feizal Haniff, informed the court that Sharma is willing to post a cash bond, offer sureties, and surrender his travel documents to secure his release.
The case has been adjourned until tomorrow, highlighting the ongoing legal system’s efforts to address drug-related offenses. This incident forms part of a wider initiative by Fijian authorities to combat drug trafficking, demonstrating a committed stance towards enhancing public safety and dismantling illegal drug networks throughout the region.
As the investigation unfolds, there is a sense of optimism that the collaborative actions of law enforcement will contribute to a notable decrease in drug-related crimes, fostering a safer environment for all residents of Fiji.