Police witness admits accused not present at raid sites in meth case

A police witness in the methamphetamine case involving several Asian nationals has told the court that accused person Peniasi Delai was not present at any of the three raid locations in Suva where drugs were allegedly seized last year.

The admission was made in the Suva Magistrate Court trial during cross-examination by defence lawyer Jerry Dinati before Magistrate Sufia Hamza.

Police officer Ratu Vodonakadavu Naqaravatu was giving evidence when Mr Dinati questioned him about raids carried out at three locations on Suva's Rewa Street in 2024.

The witness agreed that Mr Delai was not present at any of the three locations where exhibits were allegedly seized.

He also confirmed that another accused person, identified in court as accused number three, was also not present during the raids.

Mr Dinati questioned the officer extensively on how evidence collected during the raids was handled, stressing that exhibits must be properly packaged, sealed, labelled and documented to prevent tampering before being produced in court.

Mr Naqaravatu agreed with the procedures outlined by the defence.

The court also heard that discrepancies were raised between the officer’s oral testimony and a written statement he previously gave on September 24, 2025.

The witness admitted that parts of his earlier statement were correct, while some of his testimony in court the previous day was “not correct”.

Mr Dinati then accused the witness of lying in court and fabricating documents to “cover the course of justice”, allegations which the officer denied.

Meanwhile, State prosecutor Eoghn Samisoni raised concerns over a social media comment allegedly made by Mr Dinati regarding the ongoing trial.

The court heard the lawyer posted online: “Rewa Street Druga Case Trial Day 2 – Fabrication at its highest level. #Rumble.”

Magistrate Hamza strongly warned the lawyer against publicly commenting on active court proceedings, reminding parties that external remarks could interfere with the case.

The accused persons — Yu Yang Feng, Minghui Dai, Zhou Lan, Ginna Choi, Lagomarcino Baules and Peniasi Delai — are facing charges relating to the alleged possession of methamphetamine.

Police allege that Yu Yang Feng, Minghui Dai and Zhou Lan were found with 39.509 grams of methamphetamine.

Zhou also faces an additional charge of allegedly possessing proceeds of crime, including FJ$7,180, US$60, 1,520 Hong Kong dollars and 1,600 Chinese Yuan.