Seven remanded after facing meth, proceeds of crime allegations

Seven people appeared before Senior Magistrate Sufia Hamza at the Suva Magistrate Court today, accused of a series of drug, cash and immigration-related offences.

They are Jo Ravula, Ginna Mukunghoa Choi, Logamaisiono Baules, Peniasi Delai, Minghui Dai, Yu Yang Fang and Zhou Lan.

Five of the accused pleaded not guilty after amended and consolidated charges were read in court.

Legal Aid lawyer Lavenia Gonewai appeared for Choi and Baules. Shirley Tivao represented Delai, Dai and Fang.

The court was expected to take pleas from Delai, Dai and Fang, but Tivao objected because a translator was not available. The court accepted the explanation.

Magistrate Hamza also asked the prosecution to confirm whether the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Magistrates Court. Senior State Lawyer Eoghn Samisoni confirmed that it does.

Charges

According to the consolidated and amended charge sheet:

• Jo Ravula is charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine weighing 42.295 grams.
• Ginna Mukunghoa Choi, Logamaisiono Baules and Peniasi Delai are jointly charged with possession of 0.345 grams of methamphetamine.
• Ginna Mukunghoa Choi faces a separate charge for possession of cash allegedly suspected to be proceeds of crime, including FJD$977.60, Philippine pesos and US dollars.
• Logamaisiono Baules faces a prohibited immigrant charge for allegedly overstaying a visitor’s permit.
• Minghui Dai, Yu Yang Fang and Zhou Lan are jointly charged with possession of 39.509 grams of methamphetamine.
• Zhou Lan is charged with possession of FJD$7,180 and foreign currencies suspected to be proceeds of crime.
• Yu Yang Fang is charged with unlawful supply of methamphetamine.
• Yu Yang Fang also faces a separate charge for possession of FJD$906.25 suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Meanwhile, state lawyer, Samisoni has filed the amended consolidated charges where all seven accused were remanded in custody.

The case has been adjourned to February 25.