Defence to challenge chain of custody, analysis report in 4.8kg meth case
State ready for trial as defence prepares to challenge key evidence
Thursday 13 August 2026 | 13:30
Updated 13 August 2026 | 15:19 FJT
From left: Nigerian national Chukwemeka Phabian, former member of the Counter Narcotics Bureau Apenisa Matadigo, former senior customs officer Uraia Tuidama Bolalailai and former head of the Intelligence Unit of the Fiji Revenue and Customs Services Osea Raicama Dakai.
Photos: Mereleki Nai
Defence lawyers for several of the accused in the alleged importation of more than 4.8 kilograms of methamphetamine have indicated they will challenge key prosecution evidence during the trial.
They are expected to dispute the analysis report and question the chain of custody of the alleged drugs from the time of seizure to forensic testing.
The accused are Nigerian national Chukwemeka Phabian, former member of the Counter Narcotics Bureau Apenisa Matadigo, former senior customs officer Uraia Tuidama Bolalailai and former head of the Intelligence Unit of the Fiji Revenue and Customs Services Osea Raicama Dakai and former Fiji Airways driver Neumi Donumainasava.
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The case was called before Justice Aruna Aluthge at the High Court in Lautoka today.
The five are jointly charged with one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs relating to the alleged importation of more than 4.8kg of methamphetamine last year.
State prosecutor John Rabuku told the court that the State was ready to proceed to trial.
Mr Rabuku said Phabian would not challenge his caution interview and that the State intended to tender it in evidence, with the defence raising no objection to its use for background information.
Phabian’s lawyer, Unaisi Baleilevuka, confirmed receipt of the consolidated disclosures from the State and raised no objections regarding the materials.
However, defence lawyers for the second, third and fourth accused indicated they intended to call witnesses during the trial and would dispute aspects of the prosecution’s evidence.
The defence told the court that the alleged drugs were tested twice — first at the airport and later by forensic officers — and that they would challenge both the analysis report and the handling and chain of custody of the exhibits.
One defence lawyer revealed that up to 20 witnesses could be called to support their case. The defence is expected to scrutinise how the alleged drugs were handled and tested after being seized.
A final mention has been scheduled for September 8 ahead of the trial.
