Five suspended Police officers, accused of planting drugs in the vehicle of a 23-year-old man in April last year will enter their plea on June 24.

The five are Rusiate Tuga Ralase, 39, Simione Basulu, 29, Samuela Antonio, 24, Orisi Tukana, 24 and Inspector Apisalome Vesikula, 37.

It is alleged that Ralase and Basulu on April 25, 2020, in Suva, being without any lawful basis arrested the 23-year-old complainant in abuse of the authority of their office which was an arbitrary act and prejudicial to the rights of the complainant.

It is also alleged that on the same day, the five officers conspired with each other, knowingly and maliciously to accuse the 23-year-old complainant of an offence under Section 5 of the Illicit Drug and Control Act 2005.

It is alleged that the five Police officers gathered methamphetamine from an unsanctioned raid and planted the bag of drugs under the seat of the vehicle belonging to the complainant.

Their case was to be called for plea yesterday, however, due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the Anti-Corruption Magistrates Court in Suva only attended to urgent matters.

Their matter has been adjourned for plea on June 24.

Bail for all five has been extended.

Edited by Selita Rabuku

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