Forensic scientist challenged over drug analysis
Court hears evidence over handling and testing of alleged drug exhibits
Wednesday 29 July 2026 | 09:30
Fiji Police forensic scientist Miliana Raravuso outside the Suva Magistrate Court on July 28, 2026.
Photo: Rariqi Turner
A Fiji Police forensic scientist was questioned in the Suva Magistrate Court yesterday over her role in analysing drugs allegedly linked to accused persons Zoe Maharaj Moore and Shazran Abdul Lateef.
During the trial before Acting Chief Magistrate Josaia Waqavolavola, Miliana Raravuso, 47, told the court she received the drug samples at the Fiji Police Force Forensic Laboratory after they arrived from Raiwaqa Police Station at 4.34pm on August 14, 2019.
State prosecutor Simione Seruvatu asked Ms Raravuso about the samples examined at the laboratory.
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She said the exhibits comprised five samples of dried leaves packed in containers, one sample of dried leaves wrapped in foil, and four samples of white substances sealed in plastic.
Ms Raravuso said the dried leaves tested positive for cannabis sativa (marijuana).
The prosecution then sought to tender the laboratory analysis report as evidence. Defence lawyer Joji Cakau objected, raising concerns about the admissibility of the documentation.
Drug exhibits and their containers were also shown in court. Ms Raravuso confirmed they were the same items she had received on August 14, 2019.
During cross-examination, Mr Cakau challenged Ms Raravuso's role in the testing process.
He put to the witness that certified forensic chemistry analyst Erica Maravou, not Ms Raravuso, had received the drug samples.
"We were together during the test," Ms Raravuso replied.
Mr Cakau then referred her to a police statement, which stated:
"Eka Maravou received the samples of dried leaves at 16.34 hours at Raiwaqa Police Station."
Raravuso explained that the officer assisting with the analysis was usually the one recorded in the documentation.
Mr Cakau also referred to the analyst's report addressed to the Government Analyst and Government Chemist, drawing attention to two crossed-out entries.
"What are these crossings for?" he asked. He then asked: "Does that mean you are not one of them?"
Ms Raravuso replied that she was not. Mr Cakau then asked:
"So, you're not legally qualified to fill the report?" She responded that the report had been authorised by an authorised scientist under the Criminal Procedure Act.
Moore and Lateef are jointly charged after they were allegedly found with 6.3 milligrams of methamphetamine and 7.5 grams of cannabis in August 2019.
The trial continues.
