Man denied bail over alleged cocaine importation

A 40-year-old man charged in connection with the alleged unlawful importation of cocaine into Fiji was denied bail by the Suva Magistrate Court this afternoon.

Shonal Shiv Nand of Tamavua, an executive manager by profession, appeared before Magistrate Sufia Hamza.

He is accused of importing 640.139 grams of cocaine between October 24 and last Thursday.

Defence lawyer Feizal Haniff applied for bail, proposing a $5,000 bond with three sureties.

Police prosecutor Walter Taito did not oppose the application but requested that strict bail conditions be imposed if granted.

However, Magistrate Hamza denied the bail application and ordered that Nand remain in custody.

It is alleged that the accused was intercepted by police last Thursday at the DHL Express Service Point in Raiwaqa while attempting to collect a suspicious package.

The case has been adjourned to today for further disclosures.