Drug destruction decision delayed in Vatia case

The proposed destruction of 2,644 kilograms of drugs seized in the Vatia case has been adjourned to Friday to allow the State to file its response to objections and submit its police destruction plan.

The High Court in Ba has adjourned an application seeking the destruction of 2,644 kilograms of drugs seized in the Vatia case until Friday.

State prosecutor John Rabuku made the submission before Justice Samuela Qica at the High Court in Ba today.

The case involves 12 people charged with conspiring to import illicit drugs into Fiji. Some of the accused also face additional charges relating to possession of proceeds of crime.

The accused are Ponipate Mateyawa, John Toatala, Merewalesi Qolimaiwasa, Alejandro Juvenal Yagual Gonzalez, Luciano Enrique Mero Sanchez, Ramon Isidro Vega Parraga, Jonathan Javier Solorzano Bermello, Bainivalu Sauturaga, Norman Fisher, Manasa Saladrau, Anand Bobby Kumar and Anaseini Rokolati.

The alleged offending took place between November 1, 2025, and January 15, 2026. The accused allegedly conspired with others in and around Fiji to unlawfully import, transport, transfer and store about 2,644kg of illicit drugs.

The court is expected to consider the objections before deciding whether to approve the proposed destruction plan.

A report on the destruction is expected to be filed with the court and used during the trial.

Mr Rabuku told the court that those opposing the destruction had the right to raise objections.

“It is their right to object. They have to be careful because if it's not their drugs why are objecting,” he said.

The State also confirmed that more than 140 witnesses are expected to be involved in the case.

Several other accused have had their charges withdrawn and are now State witnesses, the court heard.

Anand Bobby Kumar has also been granted bail and is in the process of becoming a State witness, subject to the formalisation of a nolle prosequi.