Raibevu remanded over alleged cocaine exhibit interference

Jiuta Naivalurua Raibevu, 51, charged for interfering with the 39.5 kilograms of cocaine exhibits will remain in remand after the Suva Magistrates Court denied him bail on Friday.

Raibevu made his first appearance before Senior Resident Magistrate Sufia Hamza for a count each of unlawful interference and possession of illicit drugs.

It is alleged that sometime between March 23, 2021 and September 5, 2026, Raibevu and his wife who is in Australia were alleged to have interfered with the drug exhibits.

State Prosecutor Alisha Lal told the court that only the charge statements would be served, while other disclosures will be served later.

Ms Lal refused bail on grounds of possible interference as the investigations are on-going and possibility of him absconding bail if granted.

She said Raibevu’s travel history even showed that he has travelled to Australia as well.

Legal Aid Commission lawyer Mesake Waqavanua sought to have the matter remain at the Magistrate Court, however Ms Ali said the maximum sentence for possession of illicit drugs is 20 years.

The matter will be called again on October 23 to hear the issue of jurisdiction