Court denies bail for man on meth charge, alleges police assault

Joseph Kamoi Miller was denied bail by the Nadi Magistrate Court today.

Miller appeared before Magistrate Mareta Tikosuva.

He is charged with unlawful possession of 4.7 grams of methamphetamine.

The court heard that on January 2, Miller was arrested in Votualevu after police allegedly found clear plastic packets containing methamphetamine.

He is one of three men arrested in separate incidents for alleged unlawful possession of methamphetamine.

Miller is represented by Chetty Lawyers, while the police prosecution is led by Solomone Baleisusu.

The defence applied for bail under Section 17 of the Bail Act, arguing that the drugs were found in a vehicle that did not belong to the accused.

His lawyer told the court that Miller was assaulted by police, claiming he had an injury to his leg when he appeared in court.

The defence submitted that the accused was willing to pay a $2000 bail bond.

The prosecution strongly objected to bail, submitting that Miller has a similar matter previously before the court and that remanding him in custody was necessary for the protection of the community.

Magistrate Tikosuva remanded Miller in custody.

His bail ruling will be delivered on January 19.