Man charged over 2.6 tonnes of cocaine remanded in custody

A man charged in connection with the alleged importation of more than 2.6 tonnes of cocaine into Fiji has been remanded in custody.

Anand Kumar, also known as "Bobby", appeared in the Tavua Magistrate Court today before Resident Magistrate Timoci Qalinauci.

He is charged with unlawful importation of illicit drugs, unlawful possession of illicit drugs and possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Kumar is charged in relation to the alleged unlawful importation of cocaine seized at Vatia Wharf in January this year.

Following consultations with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, he has been charged with one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs, one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs and one count of possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime.

It is alleged that between November 1, 2025, and January 15, 2026, Kumar and others unlawfully imported 2,644.5 kilograms of cocaine into Fiji.

Police also allege that during the same period, he was unlawfully in possession of the drugs at Vatia Wharf.

On June 5, 2026, Police searched his residence in Nadi and allegedly discovered and seized large sums of local and foreign currency suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Kumar was represented by Wasu Pillay, while the State was represented by John Vaurasi.

The defence informed the court that Kumar had no pending cases before the courts.

However, Magistrate Qalinauci ordered that he remain in custody and transferred the matter to the High Court in Ba for hearing on June 22.