Discontinued cocaine case back in court

Two men charged in a drug case that was previously discontinued after missing exhibits have had their trial set for July in the High Court in Lautoka.

Fredrick Epeli and Justin Ho appeared before Justice Riyaz Hamza yesterday.

The matter was discontinued in 2020 after exhibits went missing from Namaka Police Station, prompting a nolle prosequi by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and a directive for further police investigations.

Both men are charged with one count of unlawful exportation of illicit drugs and one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs.

It is alleged that on December 23, 2018, they attempted to export 2015.7 grams of cocaine to Sydney, Australia, without lawful authority.

It is further alleged they were involved in the transfer, transport, supply and sale of illicit drugs.

Samuela Heritage represents Ho, Mosese Naivalu appears for Epeli, and the prosecutor is John Rabuku.

A stay application filed by Epeli is set to be heard on May 22. The court will determine that application before proceeding with the substantive matter.

Ho remains in custody, while Epeli is on bail.