Shonal Sharma, the General Manager of a mechanical firm, has been taken into custody following an appearance at the Suva Magistrates Court. The 40-year-old faces a serious charge of importing illicit drugs, specifically one count of unlawful importation. He is set to return to court on Friday for a formal bail application.
During the initial court proceedings, Prosecutor Eoghn Samisoni opposed bail, underscoring the severity of the allegations. The case revolves around a shipment that reportedly reached Fiji from Brazil on October 27, 2025. The package, mislabeled as a “smoke machine,” drew suspicions from authorities. Upon inspection, officials found a concealed device containing nearly 640 grams of a white powdered substance later identified as cocaine.
Sharma’s arrest is part of a broader effort by Fijian authorities, including the Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, to tackle the escalating issue of drug trafficking in the area. Recent high-profile arrests underscore the seriousness of this ongoing problem and demonstrate a committed approach to dismantling drug networks within the region.
As investigations progress, there is a hopeful anticipation that these vigorous measures will lead to a decline in drug-related offenses, contributing to a safer environment for all residents of Fiji. The upcoming bail hearing will play a critical role in shaping the trajectory of Sharma’s case, while authorities remain dedicated to maintaining public safety and integrity in their operations.