The Magistrates Court in Suva has ordered the Director of Public Prosecutions to file a formal application to consolidate the drug charges of a former lawyer and a former Hibiscus contestant.

Shazran Lateef and Zoe Maharaj-Moore appeared before the Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili yesterday.

Lateef is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of illicit drugs.

State prosecutor from the Office of the DPP, Shirley Tivao told the court that the investigations for another accused, who is Maharaj-Moore, in the matter has been completed and the State intended to consolidate the charges.

Maharaj-Moore informed the court that she would engage a lawyer.

Chief Magistrate Ratuvili has told her to file a formal application.  The matter has been adjourned for mention on February 12.

Bail for Lateef and Maharaj-Moore has been further extended.

In the matter, it is alleged that on August 14, this year, Lateef in Raiwaqa, Suva, was found in possession of 0.0063 grams of white crystal substances botanically known as methamphetamine, and 7.5 grams of cannabis sativa (marijuana), an illicit drug.

Edited by Ivamere Nataro

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