Bail extended in Brazil cocaine shipment case

A man accused of collecting a cocaine shipment allegedly sent from Brazil has had his bail extended as police continue their investigations.

Shonal Sharma appeared before Magistrate Joseph Daurewa at the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday, where the matter was briefly heard.

Sharma is charged with allegedly importing 640.139 grams of cocaine through DHL Express in October last year. It is alleged he collected the package from the DHL service office in Raiwaqa on October 30, 2025, before he was intercepted by police officers.

During the hearing, defence lawyers Gul Fatima and Amrit Chand raised concerns about the progress of the investigation.

Mr Chand questioned the State, saying the defence needed clarity on the direction the case would take.

In response, Senior State lawyer Eoghn Samisoni told the court the matter had been referred back to police for further investigation.

Magistrate Daurewa extended Sharma’s bail and adjourned the case to June 9.

The case is expected to return to court once investigations are completed.