Bench warrant remains for cocaine accused

The case involving drug accused Alzaid Shain Rizwan Ali was adjourned in the High Court in Lautoka today after he failed to appear in court.

Ali and Grace Katia Liuvoliga are jointly charged with two counts of unlawful possession of 12.33 kilograms of cocaine and one count of unlawful exportation of illicit drugs.

It is alleged that on February 15, 2024, Ali and Liuvoliga were in possession of 12.33 kilograms of cocaine at Vuda Bypass Road in Lautoka.

The pair are also alleged to have transferred and transported the cocaine from Vuda Bypass Road to Field 40, Lautoka.

In addition, they allegedly attempted to facilitate the exportation of the cocaine.

Liuvoliga appeared before Justice Riyaz Hamza.

The court focused on clarifying the status of the case and discussed the need to verify information regarding Ali's whereabouts before the matter could proceed.

Justice Hamza was informed that there had been delays due to a lack of clear information about Ali's location.

The court reviewed previous applications and procedural matters and confirmed that records and statements would be documented as the case progresses.

The matter was adjourned to June 4 to allow authorities to determine Ali's whereabouts. A bench warrant remains in effect for his arrest.

The court was informed that the trial is scheduled to commence on June 8.

The State indicated it intends to proceed with the trial even if Ali remains absent. Prosecutors said they expect to call 27 witnesses and that the trial is anticipated to run for three weeks.