Five individuals are facing serious charges in the Rakiraki Magistrates Court due to a significant drug seizure in Vatia, Tavua. The accused, which includes a man previously reported to have threatened police officers, are Norman Fisher, 42, a self-employed man from Vuda Lautoka; Manasa Saladrau, 46, from Waiyavi, Lautoka; Sunia Kobululevu, 36, also self-employed; Trevis Cheer, 33, residing on Nanuya Street in Lautoka; and 23-year-old Australian citizen Anaseini Rokolati.
The group faces conspiracy charges linked to the alleged unlawful transport, transfer, and storage of a staggering 2.6 tonnes of cocaine between November 1 and January 15. In addition, Saladrau and Rokolati are charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs for having allegedly possessed 0.8 grams of methamphetamine as of February 1. Kobululevu also faces a charge of criminal intimidation, having reportedly threatened police officers on social media on January 28, indicating he would shoot them.
Further complicating matters, Saladrau has been charged with the destruction of evidence. Authorities allege he intentionally destroyed a mobile phone on Monday, which may have contained key evidence for the judicial proceedings, obstructing its potential use.
All five individuals have been remanded in custody and are set to appear in the High Court in Ba on February 27, alongside eleven other accused individuals. This case reflects the ongoing commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat drug-related crime, reinforcing community safety and the rule of law.