Prosecution cites public interest and flight risk over drug-accused pair

A Chinese female national and an iTaukei man who were arrested at the Yue Lai Hotel in Suva on Tuesday following a drug raid were denied bail by the Suva Magistrate Court yesterday.

Wui Ging Ging and Josaia Ravula appeared before Resident Magistrate Sufia Hamza. They are each charged with one count of possession of 42.9 grams of methamphetamine.

Drug accused Josaia Ravula at the Suva Magistrate Court in Suva on September 26, 2025.

Photo: Ronald Kumar

Police prosecutors objected to bail on the grounds that the case is of public interest and that Ravula has three outstanding warrants.
The prosecution argued that if Ravula was granted bail, there was a high risk he would flee the country.

The court heard that Wui has been in Fiji since mid-July. Her lawyer, Lavenia Bogitini, told the court that police had seized her client’s passport, reducing the risk of her absconding.
Ms Bogitini also argued that the likelihood of Wui interfering with prosecution witnesses was minimal, as the witnesses are police officers. She added that they were willing to offer cash bail.

Magistrate Hamza denied bail for both accused, prompting Ravula’s lawyer, Jioji Cakau, and Ms Bogitini to assure the court that formal bail applications would be filed. The case has been adjourned to October 9.