A 40-year-old businessman from Lautoka has been re-arrested and re-charged for allegedly facilitating the export of over 39 kilograms of cocaine to Australia in 2019. Initially charged with another foreign national, the case was halted in court after a nolle prosequi was filed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
According to allegations, the businessman coordinated the transfer of the drugs from the second suspect to Denarau, where they were subsequently handed off to another foreign national, who was later apprehended in Australia with the contraband.
This case, part of a broader multi-agency operation that led to the original arrests back in 2019, is now being pursued by the Criminal Investigations Department and the Serious Organized Crime and Intelligence Department. Following further investigation supported by the DPP’s Organized Crime Unit, the Lautoka man was re-arrested on December 20, 2025, facing charges of unlawful possession, supply of an illicit drug, and unlawful exportation of an illicit drug.
He is scheduled to appear in Nadi Magistrates Court on Monday, December 22. Assistant Commissioner of Police Mesake Waqa emphasized the police’s commitment to disrupting the illegal drug market and ensuring that both local and foreign offenders are brought to justice. Efforts are also continuing, with INTERPOL’s support, to track down the second suspect involved in this case.