More charges expected in Vatia cocaine case

More charges are expected to be laid this week in relation to the seizure of 2,644.5 kilograms of cocaine at Vatia Wharf, according to Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku.

Mr Rabuku made the disclosure before Justice Samuela Qica during proceedings at the High Court in Ba yesterday.

Anand Kumar and Ponipate Seuvou, appeared before the court charged with unlawfully importing the 2,644.5kg of cocaine.

Mr Rabuku's comments came in response to a bail application filed by Seuvou.

Seuvou, who remains in custody, questioned the credibility of immunity witnesses and alleged that some had links to law enforcement agencies and the drug trade.

He also argued that other individuals involved in previous drug cases had been granted immunity while he continued to deny any involvement in the alleged offences.

In response, Mr Rabuku said bail applications were assessed on their individual merits and were subject to conditions imposed by the court.

He said the granting of bail depended on submissions made by both the applicant and the State, as well as the court's assessment of the facts, including ongoing investigations and the risk of interference with evidence and witnesses.

Mr Rabuku told the court that investigations into the 2.6-tonne cocaine seizure remained active.

"We have charged another two persons, and the investigation into these 2.6 tonnes of cocaine is still ongoing," he said.

"There might be more charges brought before the court this week as police investigations continue."

Mr Rabuku also stressed that witness interference remained a significant concern in large-scale cases such as this.

He said the court had previously considered that risk when refusing bail to several accused persons who remain in custody.

The case is part of an ongoing investigation into one of Fiji's largest cocaine seizures, with authorities indicating further developments are expected in the coming days.