Drug accused trio claim inhumane remand conditions, court hears

Three Chinese nationals facing drug-related charges appeared at the Suva Magistrate Court today, with their lawyer raising serious concerns about their treatment while in remand.

Yu Yang Feng, Dai Ming Hui, and Zhou Lan are charged in connection with methamphetamine and a large amount of cash found at a Rewa Street property in Suva.

They appeared before Magistrate Viniana Diroiroi.

Defence lawyer Lavenia Bogitini told the court that her client, Zhou, was suffering from sores and facial inflammation allegedly caused by bed bugs in the remand facility. She requested that all three accused be taken to hospital for medical checks.

Ms Bogitini also applied for bail, citing health and human rights concerns, and highlighted the lack of a translator during proceedings, which she said compromised the accused’s ability to understand the case against them.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Walter Kafoa responded that the remand centre’s medical officer had attended to the accused and confirmed they had been taken to a medical facility for assessment.

Magistrate Diroiroi noted the seriousness of the charges and said bail would be reconsidered after further submissions.

All three accused are charged with one count each of unlawful possession of illicit drugs after being allegedly found with 39.509 grams of methamphetamine.

Zhou also faces a separate charge of possessing property suspected to be proceeds of crime, after police allegedly found $7180, US$60, HK$1520, and 1600 Chinese yuan in her possession.

Yu faces two additional charges, unlawful supply of illicit drugs and possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime. He was allegedly found with $906.25 in cash and is accused of engaging in the transport and supply of methamphetamine.

The case has been adjourned to November 4 for the bail hearing.