A man has been remanded in custody along with four others by the Rakiraki Magistrate’s Court, following serious charges related to a major cocaine seizure in Vatia, Tavua, from last month. Sunia Kobululevu stands accused of threatening members of the Fiji Police Force through a social media post dated January 28.
Kobululevu appeared alongside Norman Fisher, who had previously been identified as a State witness in a similar drug case involving individual Justin Ho. The group also includes Manasa Saladrau, Trevis Cheer, and Anaseini Lisa Kinikinilau Rokolati. All five are facing multiple allegations, including conspiracy to unlawfully transport, transfer, and store a staggering 2.6445 tonnes of cocaine and other illegal substances.
In addition to conspiracy charges, Kobululevu is specifically charged with criminal intimidation for purportedly making threats of gun violence intended to instill fear within the community. Saladrau and Rokolati face charges for unlawful possession of illicit drugs; they were allegedly found with 0.8122 grams of methamphetamine. Moreover, Saladrau is accused of destroying evidence, having allegedly damaged a Samsung A05 mobile phone on February 2 as a measure to obstruct the legal process.
The court has adjourned the case until February 27, with plans to transfer it to the High Court in Ba. This court will also hear cases against another group of 11 individuals connected to this operation. The substantial drug bust reflects an ongoing and robust enforcement effort to combat drug trafficking and tackle organized crime in the region, underscoring the persistent challenges faced in addressing substance abuse and criminal activities.