High Court Grants Time For Notice Of Alibi In Drug Case

The High Court in Lautoka has given time for one of the two men facing drug charges to provide notice of alibi on the next mention date.

Justin Ho and Frederick Epeli appeared before Judge Justice Chamath Morais yesterday. Ho was represented by Wasu Pillay, who appeared on the instruction of Aca Rayawa, who had previously represented Ho, while Epeli appeared without a lawyer.

The state was represented by Prenika Lata.

Mr Pillay told the court that Mr Rayawa had submitted the pretrial checklist to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, which has also been signed by Ho.

Justice Morais said the trial date was already set for November 30 and that Epeli was obliged to file a notice of alibi.

Ho and Epeli are jointly charged with one count of unlawful importation and exportation and one count of unlawful possession, manufacture, cultivation and supply of illicit drugs.

The two were alleged to have facilitated in exporting two kilograms of cocaine and illicit drugs on December 23, 2018.

The matter has been adjourned to March 23 for mention.

Edited by Ivamere Nataro

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