The case of a woman charged for allegedly importing and possessing close to 200kilograms of methamphetamine, has been transferred to the High Court.

Miliakere Magitinidausiga, appeared before Magistrate Pulekeria Low on Monday charged with one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs and one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs.

It is alleged that between September 16 and 18 of this year, in Suva, Magitinidausiga imported 197.312kg of methamphetamine.

On September 21, it was further alleged that Magitinidausiga was found to be in possession of this illicit drug.

She was denied bail by the magistrate’s court.

Magitinidausiga said she understood the charges when they were read to her in court.

Band Four

Magistrate Low said the amount was substantial and fell within the limits of Band Four.

Based on the quantity-based sentencing guidelines used in Fiji courts, which are similar to those in New Zealand, ‘Band Four’ is the highest category applied to cases involving methamphetamine weighing 500 grams or more.

Offenders falling within this category face prison sentences ranging from 12 years to life imprisonment.

Her case will be called again on Monday, October 9.

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