Five individuals, including a man who had previously threatened police officers, appeared in the Rakiraki Magistrates Court concerning a significant drug seizure in Vatia, Tavua. The accused are 42-year-old Norman Fisher, a self-employed man from Vuda Lautoka; 46-year-old Manasa Saladrau from Waiyavi, Lautoka; 36-year-old Sunia Kobululevu, also self-employed; 33-year-old Trevis Cheer of Nanuya Street, Lautoka; and 23-year-old Australian citizen Anaseini Rokolati.
They are charged with conspiracy related to the alleged unlawful transport, transfer, and storage of 2.6 tonnes of cocaine between November 1 and January 15. Additionally, Saladrau and Rokolati face charges of unlawful possession of illicit drugs for allegedly possessing 0.8 grams of methamphetamine as of February 1. Kobululevu is also charged with criminal intimidation after he reportedly threatened police officers via social media on January 28, claiming he would shoot them.
Moreover, Saladrau has been charged with destroying evidence. It is alleged that on Monday, he willfully destroyed a mobile phone, which may have contained crucial evidence needed for judicial proceedings, intending to obstruct its use.
All five individuals have been remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear in the High Court in Ba alongside eleven other accused on February 27. This case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to tackle drug-related crime and maintain community safety.