Interpreter no-show delays alleged meth import case

A High Court case involving a Hungarian national charged over the alleged importation of nearly five kilograms of methamphetamine was delayed yesterday after an interpreter failed to appear in court.

Fonta Laszlo appeared before the High Court in Lautoka in relation to the alleged seizure of nearly five kilograms of methamphetamine at Nadi International Airport.

The drugs were allegedly discovered during a Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) operation on April 17. Authorities said the seizure resulted from risk profiling and intelligence-led targeting, leading to the discovery of approximately five kilograms of methamphetamine allegedly concealed in a passenger's baggage.

Laszlo faces one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs and two counts of unlawful possession of illicit drugs under the Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004.

The court heard that Laszlo does not fully understand English and communicates primarily in Hungarian and Russian.

He is represented by defence counsel Litia Vateitei, while the State is represented by prosecutor John Vaurasi.

Ms Vateitei told the court that an interpreter had not attended the hearing and raised concerns about the language barrier, saying an interpreter was also required to enable effective communication between her and her client.

The court was told the registry is attempting to secure an independent interpreter after the usual interpreter became unavailable.

Justice Aruna Aluthge granted the State 14 days to file and serve disclosures, taking into account the need for interpretation to ensure the accused fully understands the proceedings.

Ms Vateitei confirmed the defence would be ready to proceed with plea-taking at the next hearing once the disclosures had been served and interpreted.

The matter was adjourned to July 14.