A Nausori businessman who was allegedly found in possession of illicit drugs was granted bail by the Nausori Magistrates Court yesterday.

The accused, Arvind Singh, who is charged with one count of possession of methamphetamine, appeared before Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne and was released on a $1000 bail bond.

He was represented by private lawyer, Christine Kumar. It is alleged that Singh was found in possession of 0.2 grams of the illicit drugs on March 23, 2018.

Police prosecutor Constable Titilia Ului served the accused with full phase disclosures, which was confirmed by his lawyer.

Ms Kumar raised the issue that she had yet to receive her client’s charge sheet. This was immediately furnished to her in court.

Constable Ului indicated that the prosecution was not objecting Singh’s bail.

Accordingly Magistrate Somaratne granted the accused bail and bonded his two sureties. Singh was ordered not to reoffend while on bail, and not to interfere with prosecution witnesses.

A stop departure order was also imposed against him.

The responsibilities of a surety were explained to Singh’s sureties in that they had to ensure that the accused appeared in court on all his court dates.

The case was adjourned to April 10, 2018 for mention.

Fonua Talei

Edited by Percy Kean

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