Five remanded in Vatia drug seizure case

Five people linked to the follow-up investigation into the Vatia drug seizure have been remanded by the Ba Magistrates Court.

John Taotala, Merewalesi Qolimaiwasa, Ponipate Mateyawa, Iliesa Cokanasiga and Jonathan Hill appeared before Magistrate Namrata Mishra.

The court heard that between November 1, 2025, and January 15, 2026, in and around Fiji, the accused allegedly conspired among themselves and with others to unlawfully import, transport, transfer and store 2,644 kilograms of illicit drugs.

All five have been charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit the importation of illicit drugs.

In addition, John Talatal, a foreign national, has been charged with two counts of possession of items believed to be proceeds of crime, contrary to Section 70(1) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 1997.

Jonathan Hill, Merewalesi Qolimawa and Iliesa Cokanasiga have also each been charged with one count of possession of items believed to be proceeds of crime.

Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions lawyer John Rabuku represented the State. Una Baleilevuka appeared for Qolimawa, while M. Raga represented Hill.

Mr Rabuku applied for the matter to be transferred to the High Court so it could be consolidated with an earlier case. The matters are scheduled to be called together on February 5.

Magistrate Mishra granted the application, transferred the case to the High Court and remanded the five accused.

The matter will be called on February 5 at the Lautoka High Court.