Alleged Kadavu drug transporters claim assault, evidence tampering

Three of the six men charged with transporting 26.03 kilograms of marijuana to Suva last year have told the court they intend to file a police complaint alleging assault by two officers and evidence tampering.

Apisai Daveta, Tevita Vuki and Timoci Lolohea appeared with lawyer Jerry Dinati before Acting Chief Magistrate Josaia Waqaivolavola yesterday.

The three men are jointly charged with one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs after allegedly being found with 26,023.2 grams of cannabis on September 22 last year, alongside Letia Tokoni, Sakiusa Timi and Saimoni Mule.

Lolohea faces two additional charges after allegedly being found in possession of 226.5 grams and 5,150 grams of cannabis on September 24.

Mr Dinati told the court the defence would be filing a voir dire application challenging the chain of custody of the drugs, arguing that the evidence had been tampered with.

The court granted the defence 14 days to file the application, after which Police prosecutors will serve their voir dire disclosures.

Given the large quantity of drugs involved, Police prosecution sought to have the matter referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The prosecution is expected to advise at the next hearing whether the case will be transferred to the High Court in Suva.

Bail was extended and the matter adjourned to June 17.