The trial of radio announcer Paula Nabuta and student Joji Kaitani in their drug-related matter began at the High Court in Suva yesterday.

Nabuta and Kaitani are jointly charged with two counts of unlawful possession of illicit drugs.

It is alleged that on September 28, 2021, at Suva, Nabuta and Kaitani were in possession of 912 grams and 6.34 kilograms of cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana.

The State prosecutor from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Zenith Zunaid told the court that the State would call 13 witnesses.

He said the allegations were that the Police officers had received information that a vehicle was transporting drugs and following this, roadblocks were set up.

He said the allegation was that the vehicle used in the alleged offence was driven by Nabuta and 54 sachets of illicit drugs were found in the vehicle.

He said the Police officers had seized the sachets and 6.3 kilograms of illicit drugs were also found at Nabuta’s home.

He said in the record of the interview, Nabuta allegedly denied having knowledge of the drugs, but knew where and when it came from.

The trial continues before Justice Temo.

Story by: ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj