Prosecution seeks time for DPP decision in cocaine case

The State has sought more time from the Suva Magistrates Court to obtain a decision from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in a cocaine importation case.

Shonal Shiv Nand, a Suva-based mechanic company manager, appeared before Magistrate Sufia Hamza yesterday charged with allegedly importing 640.139 grams of cocaine.

Nand has been released on $5,000 cash bail.

State Prosecutor Unal Lal told the court that the prosecution was yet to disclose the contents of a representation letter submitted by the defence.

He said the letter had not been analysed and that legal advice was still being prepared for the DPP.

The court heard that the accused allegedly collected a package containing the drugs from a DHL service outlet in Raiwaqa on October 30 last year.

Lal requested 21 days for the DPP to consider and provide sanction on the representation letter.

The matter has been adjourned to March 3.