Five more charged in Vatia drug seizure

Five more people have been charged in connection with the Vatia drug seizure and are due to appear at the Rakiraki Magistrates Court today.

The accused are four men from Lautoka and a woman.

Police said they have been charged with conspiracy to commit unlawful importation of illicit drugs, contrary to Section 49(1) of the Crimes Act 2009 and Section 8 of the Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004.

In addition to the charge, a 36-year-old man has been charged with criminal intimidation, contrary to Section 375(1)(a)(i)(iv) of the Crimes Act 2009.

A 46-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman have also been charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs, contrary to Section 5(a) of the Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004.

The 46-year-old man faces an additional charge of destroying evidence, contrary to Section 189 of the Crimes Act 2009.

Police said the charges were laid following consultations with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

All five accused are expected to appear at the Rakiraki Magistrates Court later today.