Jurisdiction decision stalls major Suva drug‑bust case

Proceedings in the Rewa Street and Flagstaff drug‑bust case have been put on hold as the court awaits a ruling on whether proceeds‑of‑crime charges should be heard in the Magistrates Court or the High Court of Fiji.

Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions lawyer Eoghn Samisoni raised the jurisdiction issue in the Suva Magistrate Court today, saying a decision on which court has authority is expected next Friday.

Magistrate Sufia Hamza confirmed she will wait for that ruling before accepting any further submissions.

The jurisdiction question follows an earlier outcome involving Yin Qing Qing, who admitted to a proceeds‑of‑crime charge and was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment.

Police allege that on September 23 last year, Josua Ravula was found in unlawful possession of 42.295 grams of methamphetamine.

Three others, Ginna Choi, Lagomarcino Baules, and Peniasi Delai, are alleged to have been found with 0.345 grams of methamphetamine.

Authorities further claim that Zhou Lan was found with more than $7,000, while Yu Yang Feng was allegedly found with more than $9,000, amounts believed to be proceeds of crime.

The matter has been adjourned to March 9 pending the High Court’s decision on jurisdiction.