Five individuals have been charged with conspiracy to import illegal drugs and have been further remanded by the Ba Magistrates Court. Jonathan Hill, Ponipate Mateyawa, John Taotala, Iliesa Cokanasiga, and Merewalesi Qolimaiwaqa appeared in court this afternoon as part of the proceedings.
The charges allege that between November 1, 2025, and January 15, 2026, the accused conspired with one another and other individuals to unlawfully import, transport, transfer, and store a significant quantity of illicit drugs, totaling 2,644 kilograms, within Fiji.
In an additional charge against Cokanasiga, who is a foreign national, he faces two counts related to possession of suspected proceeds from crime. Reports indicate that he was found with $6,000 in cash at the time of his arrest. Meanwhile, both Qolimaiwaqa and Taotala have each been charged with possession of items believed to be proceeds of crime, including a Jet Land gasoline AVR generator valued at $600, a Wotect raincoat worth $26.25, an extension wire priced at $12.50, and about 102 liters of fuel valued at $266.02. Additionally, Hill has faced similar charges after allegedly being found with $1,000.
The proceedings have been transferred to the Lautoka High Court and are scheduled to continue on the fifth of next month. The Fiji Police Force has indicated that investigations are ongoing, and further arrests could occur as they continue to follow additional leads related to the case.
The authorities are determined to tackle drug-related crimes, and this case underscores their commitment to maintaining public safety and upholding the law in Fiji.