Ruling date set for 2019 drug case involving ex-lawyer

A ruling date has been set for the drug‑charge case involving former Suva lawyer Shazran Lateef and his co‑accused Zoey Maharaj‑Moore, relating to an alleged offence from 2019.

The Suva Magistrate Court was initially expected to deliver its judgment today, but the ruling has now been scheduled for April 23.

Lateef and Maharaj‑Moore face three counts of being found in possession of illicit drugs.

It is alleged that on July 14, 2019, at Raiwaqa, the two were found without lawful authority in possession of several illegal substances. The court heard that the items included:

• 7.89 grams of methamphetamine,
• 12.49 grams of cocaine, and
• 2.5 grams of marijuana.

The case has been before the courts for several years, and the magistrate is expected to hand down a ruling next month that will determine the outcome of the charges against both accused.

The matter has been adjourned to April 23 for the delivery of the ruling.