Immunity talks under way in $1b cocaine case

Immunity negotiations are under way between the State and some defence lawyers representing 16 people accused in connection with the seizure of more than $1 billion worth of cocaine in Vatia, Tavua.

The first six men charged over the alleged drug trafficking operation intercepted in Vatia are Australian national Bainivalu Suguturaga, Munendra, and Ecuadorian fishermen Luciano Sanchez, Jonathan Bermello, Ramon Parraga and Alejandro Gonzalez. They appeared before Justice Samuela Qica in the High Court in Ba today.

The other accused are John Taotawa, Merewalesi Qolimaiwasa, Jonathan Hill, Iliesa Cokanasiga, Ponipate Mateyawa, Norman Fisher, Manasa Saladrau, Sunia Vakaloloma, Travis Cheers and Anaseini Rokolati.

They are accused of conspiring with others to unlawfully transport, transfer and store 2.6445 tonnes of cocaine seized during the operation.

The first six arrested are further accused of unlawful importation and possession of an illicit drug. The foreign nationals also face a charge of unlawful entry into Fiji.

The remaining 10 accused are charged with conspiracy, allegedly conspiring to unlawfully transport, transfer and store cocaine.

The court heard that eight of the 16 accused have applied for bail.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku told the court discussions were ongoing after some defence counsel raised concerns about delays in disclosure.

He said any accused granted immunity would be required to testify against the others and encouraged defence lawyers to engage with the State on their clients’ positions regarding immunity.

The State also outlined its position on consolidating the cases, saying they were interconnected. Additional disclosures would be served if consolidation is granted.

Lawyer Lavenia Bogitini, representing boxer and fitness instructor Jonathan Hill, asked that Hill’s bail application be heard separately and urgently.

Bogitini rejected the State’s claim that it has a strong case against Hill and said the defence would object to consolidation, maintaining there was no evidence linking him to the other accused.

Lawyer Jione Seniroqa, representing Ponipate Mateyawa, said the State was taking time, delaying the bail matter from proceeding at the earliest opportunity.

Rabuku indicated the State would strongly oppose bail.

He confirmed that information had been filed and served for the first six accused and that the case involves 117 witness statements.

Defence counsel reiterated concerns about delays in disclosure, but Rabuku cited the volume of material involved.

Justice Qica said the court would set a date for the bail hearing at the next sitting. He ruled that all bail applications would be heard together to save time and ensure efficiency.

The matter was adjourned to March 20 for mention and to set a bail hearing date.