Drug accused claims eviction, bail conditions questioned in court

A drug-accused has told the court he was evicted from his apartment after he and his co-accused were arrested on drug-related charges.

Alzaid Shain Rizwan Ali told the Lautoka High Court today that he was evicted from his Martintar apartment in 2024 after he and co-accused Grace Katia Liuvoliga were taken into police custody.

Ali and Liuvoliga each face two counts of unlawful possession of 12.33 kilograms of cocaine and one count of unlawful exportation of illicit drugs.

It is alleged the pair were in possession of 12.33 kilograms of cocaine on February 15, 2024, along Vuda Bypass Road to Field 40 in Lautoka. They are also alleged to have attempted to facilitate the exportation of the drugs.

The two appeared before Justice Riyaz Hamza in the Lautoka High Court.

The couple had earlier been remanded in custody but were later released on bail.

When asked about their current residence, Liuvoliga told the court she was living with her aunt at Kerebula, Nadi Back Road, while Ali said he was residing in Wailoaloa.

Justice Hamza questioned Ali about an apparent failure to comply with bail conditions after he allegedly changed his address without informing the court.

Ali said he had been evicted from the Martintar apartment he previously shared with Liuvoliga.

“In 2024, when we were in custody, the landlord wanted us out from there,” Ali said.

“He claimed the Magistrates Court in Nadi issued an eviction order.”

Justice Hamza reminded Ali that any change of residence must be reported to the court.

The judge also directed defence counsel to address the issue, noting Ali had allegedly breached his bail conditions since 2024 by failing to notify the court of his change of address.

Ali also told the court he did not have sufficient funds to support himself and requested the return of $7,000 seized by police.

Justice Hamza asked State prosecutor Laisiasa Baleilevuka to clarify whether the money was required as evidence or could be released.

Mr Baleilevuka said the money would be retained for the trial, scheduled for June 8.

The matter has been adjourned to May 25.