Vatia drug accused says no evidence links him to case

A man charged in the high-profile Vatia drug case has told the High Court in Ba there is no direct evidence linking him to the alleged offences.

Ponipate Sevou, one of four accused persons remanded in custody following the seizure of 2,630 parcels of cocaine at Vatia Wharf in Tavua, made the claim while representing himself in a bail application before Justice Samuela Qica.

All accused persons face charges of conspiracy to import illicit drugs, while some also face charges relating to possession of proceeds of crime.

It is alleged that between November 1, 2025, and January 15, 2026, the accused conspired with each other and others in and around Fiji to unlawfully import, transport, transfer and store approximately 2,644 kilograms of illicit drugs.

During submissions, Sevou maintained his innocence and argued there was no direct evidence connecting him to the alleged offences.

He also questioned the credibility of immunity witnesses, alleging some had links to law enforcement and the drug trade.

Sevou said the ongoing investigation had been frustrating and disruptive and suggested it stemmed from shortcomings in the initial inquiry.

He told the court he would comply with any bail conditions imposed and would not interfere with witnesses.

The State, represented by prosecutor John Rabuku, opposed the application.

Rabuku submitted there were no new facts or changed circumstances since Sevou's previous bail application was denied.

He said ongoing investigations, recent developments in the case and the risk of witness interference remained key concerns.

Rabuku told the court the scale of the case, involving about 2.6 tonnes of cocaine, heightened concerns about potential interference with witnesses and the investigation.

The court noted that public interest and the integrity of the investigation were important considerations in determining the application.

Rabuku also raised concerns about the legal advice allegedly being provided to the accused.

"He is representing himself and his lawyers weren't here. We feel that his lawyers were incorrectly advising him," Rabuku told the court.

In response, Sevou argued the objections to his bail application relied largely on affidavits relating to other accused persons rather than evidence directly connected to him.

He denied having any association with key witnesses and rejected suggestions that he would interfere with, intimidate or influence them.

Sevou also referred to his family background and his father's reputation as a former military officer in support of his credibility.

He urged the court to consider his individual circumstances rather than treating him in the same manner as the other accused persons.

The State maintained that constitutional rights, including the right to bail, were not absolute and could be restricted where justified by the circumstances of a case.

Justice Qica adjourned the matter to July 3.