Meth trial hears police admit procedures were not fully followed

Police witnesses acknowledged shortcomings in evidence-handling procedures today as defence lawyers challenged the investigation in a methamphetamine case involving six accused before the Suva Magistrate Court.

The case before Magistrate Sufia Hamza involves Josua Ravula, Ginna Choi, Peniasi Delai, Dai Ming Hui, Yu Yuan Fang and Zhou Lan, who face methamphetamine-related charges.

Woman Police Constable Jiko Vakaibuavou of the Crime Scene Unit told the court she photographed exhibits during the police raid and prepared the photographs later served on the defence.

During cross-examination, she agreed the exhibits were not processed in accordance with required procedures.

Acting Inspector Vodonakadavu Naqavavatu of the Forensic Department also testified that Choi was outside Crime Scene 2 at Lot 170, Rewa Street, Suva, and was not found in possession of illicit drugs.

Under questioning, he agreed that proper chain of custody procedures—including the packaging, sealing, labelling and documentation of evidence—were not followed.

Investigating officer Eliki Kaumaitotoya of the Serious Crime Department told the court that when he arrived at Rewa Street, officers were already handing over packets containing white substances and cash, including Fijian and Chinese currency.

State lawyer Eogn Samisoi asked the court to have the seized packages and cash shown to the witness for identification.

However, defence lawyer Shirley Tivao objected, arguing that the defence had received only photographs of the exhibits and not the physical items.

Supported by defence lawyer Jerry Dinati, Ms Tivao also objected to the cash being tendered as evidence, saying the serial numbers and photographs of the money had not been disclosed to the defence.

Mr Kaumaitotoya also agreed he was not present when the chain of custody process was carried out at Crime Scene 1, Lot 134 Rewa Street, because it had already been completed before he arrived.

Ravula is charged with allegedly possessing 42.295 grams of methamphetamine at the Yue Lai Hotel in Suva in September 2025.

Dai Ming Hui, Yu Yuan Fang and Zhou Lan are jointly charged with allegedly possessing 39.509 grams of methamphetamine. Delai, Choi and the three Chinese nationals also face a separate charge of allegedly possessing 0.345 grams of the drug.

The trial continues tomorrow.

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