State seeks to destroy $1b cocaine haul, duress claim stalls case

The State is preparing to seek court approval to destroy a large quantity of cocaine seized at Vatia Wharf in Tavua.

This comes as pre‑trial disputes continued today in one of Fiji’s biggest drug cases before the High Court in Ba.

The issue was raised as the court dealt with disclosure matters and unresolved investigations surrounding the accused, including claims of duress and possible human trafficking.

State prosecutor John Rabuku told the court that on the next hearing date, the State would file full disclosures and applications, including an application for the destruction of the seized drugs.

The cocaine, made up of 2,630 parcels, is estimated to be worth about $1 billion.

Four Ecuadorian nationals — Luciano Sanchez, 47; Jonathan Bermello, 30; Ramon Parraga, 52; and Alejandro Gonzalez, 47 — are charged in relation to the seizure and remain in custody.

Ten other accused linked to the same seizure were also produced in court, with five previously granted bail, which was extended today.

However, the case has been complicated by claims from the four Ecuadorians that they were kidnapped by a drug cartel and forced to transport the cocaine to Fiji.

Defence lawyer Shirley Tivao told the court her clients were taken from a submarine to a boat carrying drugs and brought to Fiji under duress.

Mr Rabuku said the State could not proceed to pre‑trial stage until investigations into those claims were completed.

He said the prosecution now bears the burden of proving beyond reasonable doubt that the accused were not acting under duress when the drugs entered Fiji.

“All four accused gave caution interviews and raised duress,” he said, adding that police were liaising with overseas authorities, including the Belize Police Department, to determine whether the men were victims of human trafficking.

“Once we receive that information, whether in their favour or against them, we will decide our position. We cannot proceed to pre-trial until then,” Mr Rabuku said.

Ms Tivao also criticised the delay, saying her clients remained in custody with no realistic prospect of bail.

“They are aware of the person who picked them up from the submarine and the person controlling the boat where they were found with the drugs,” she told the court, urging the State to clarify its position urgently.

“My clients remain in custody with no realistic prospect of bail. If they are victims of trafficking, they are being held for something beyond their control. We ask that the matter be expedited or that the State clarify its position,” Mr Tivao said.

Justice Samuela Qica adjourned the matter of the four Ecuadorian nationals to June 3.

Other accused were given further adjournment dates on June 3 and June 6 for additional disclosures and decisions on amended charges.