Court hears drug accused seeks to legalise marriage

The lawyers for Ginna Choi and Peniasi Delai, who are charged with possession of 0.345 grams of methamphetamine, have been tasked with making arrangements with the Fiji Corrections Service to legalise the pair's wedding.

The pair appeared in court this morning alongside Lagomarchino Baules before Resident Magistrate Yogesh Prasad, expecting a ruling on their bail application.

All three face one count each of possession of illicit drugs.

Choi also faces an additional charge of possessing Fijian and foreign currencies suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Baules faces an extra charge as a prohibited immigrant after allegedly overstaying his visitor’s permit.

The marriage discussion arose when Choi informed the court that she and Delai wished to get married. She said their application had been filed before they were remanded and was recently approved.

After hearing from both sides, Magistrate Prasad said there was nothing suspicious about the request and noted she was probably trying to get Fijian citizenship.

However, he clarified that neither the court nor the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions could facilitate the wedding.

Legal Aid lawyer Mesake Waqavanua told the court the situation was new to him and he was unsure how to handle it. With no objections from the court or prosecution, he agreed to arrange an appointment with the relevant authorities to proceed with the marriage request.

Magistrate Prasad has deferred the bail ruling for all three accused to Friday, saying it was not yet ready. All production orders were extended.