Two to take plea over alleged meth possession at Suva hotel

Two people charged with allegedly possessing 42.9 grams of methamphetamine at a Suva hotel are expected to take their pleas when the matter returns to court tomorrow.

Qing Qing Ying and Joshua Ravula appeared before Magistrate Sufia Hamza at the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday.

The court heard that the pair were allegedly found with the drugs during a police operation at the Yue Lai Hotel in October last year.

The matter was adjourned after the court was told that an interpreter was not present to read and explain the amended charge to Ying.

Her charge was recently amended, and she is expected to enter her plea tomorrow. Ravula is also expected to take his plea on the same date.

Both are charged with one count each of illicit drug possession. The court was told that the quantity of methamphetamine allegedly involved exceeds the threshold set under the Illicit Drugs Control Act.

No pleas were taken yesterday, and no bail application was made.

The matter has been adjourned to tomorrow for plea.