Alleged cocaine importer wants charge dismissed

The Suva Magistrate Court has given the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) 21 days to respond to a letter of representation filed by the lawyers of a drug accused.

Shonal Sharma, who is charged with allegedly importing 640.139 grams of cocaine last October through DHL Express, appeared in court with lawyer Amrit Chand before Resident Magistrate Joseph Daurewa.

It is alleged that Sharma collected a package containing the drugs from the DHL service office in Raiwaqa on October 30, 2025, before being intercepted by police.

In their representation, the defence sought to have the charge dismissed, arguing there was no proper basis for the allegation.

Sharma remains on bail. The case was adjourned to March 24 to allow the ODPP to respond.