Four Ecuadorians claim kidnapping by drug cartel in Vatia cocaine case

The High Court in Ba heard today that four Ecuadorian nationals claim they were kidnapped by a drug cartel and forced to transport cocaine to Fiji in relation to the Vatia drug raid.

Luciano Sanchez, 47; Jonathan Bermello, 30; Ramon Parraga, 52; and Alejandro Gonzalez, 47, appeared before Justice Samuela Qica.

The court heard the men claimed they had been coerced into carrying out the act.

They indicated they were not ready to enter their pleas.

The four men, all fishermen, were remanded in custody following the seizure of 2,630 parcels of cocaine at Vatia Wharf in Tavua in January this year.

Ten other accused linked to the alleged seizure of more than $1 billion worth of cocaine were also produced in court. Of the 14 accused, five were granted bail, which was extended yesterday.

The State, represented by John Rabuku and Joeli Naivalu, said the four men raised allegations of kidnapping during caution interviews.

“They are saying that they were kidnapped by the cartel and were forced to bring the drugs to Fiji. That raises a number of issues, including trafficking,” Mr Rabuku said.

He said the State prosecution needed 21 days to work with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to investigate the claims.

“We have had discussions with the CID regarding these issues. Further investigations will be conducted into the background of the four accused, after which a decision will be made on their position,” he said.

Defence counsel for the four men acknowledged the State’s move to investigate the allegations.

“There are issues of duress, kidnapping, and human trafficking, and I appreciate that they are taking the initiative to investigate these matters,” the defence said.

The defence also told the court that several documents had not yet been disclosed, including investigation diaries, passports, and photographs relating to the drugs and the vessel.

Counsel for the fifth accused, Bainivalu Suguturaga, told the court her client was allegedly assaulted at Natabua Remand Centre by a police officer.

Suguturaga is ready to enter his plea and has filed a medical report. He has pleaded not guilty.

The matter has been adjourned to April 21.