A High Court Judge says the matter involving two accused persons in an alleged drugs case must be fixed for hearing as soon as possible.

Justin Ho, 28, and Frederick Epeli, 40, charged with one count each of attempted unlawful exportation of illicit drugs contrary to section (1) and (9) of the Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004 appeared before Justice Rangajeeva Wimalasena at the High Court in Lautoka yesterday for mention.

Ho appeared to be using a walking crutch on his left side and needed assistance from a Police officer to walk when the case was called.

Prosecution told the court that the Pre-Trial Conference (PTC) checklist was forwarded and the state was yet to receive a response.

The defence counsel had confirmed that the PTC checklist was received and sought 14 days to finalise the PTC documents.

Justice Wimalasena told the Court the matter was priority and so were all other matters before the Court.

He further stated that a hearing date for the matter will be given as soon as possible.

He also mentioned that the trial would be a short one.

Epeli was denied bail at his bail hearing before Justice Sunil Sharma.

Justice Sharma told the court that the change in circumstances was not exceptional for Epeli to be granted bail.

The matter will be called on October 11.

Edited by Percy Kean

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