Vatia drug case moves closer to trial
Prosecution hands over evidence as case progresses
Friday 31 July 2026 | 13:30
From left: Ponipate Matayawa, Norman Fisher, Manasa Saladrau, Merewalesi Qalimaiwasa, Anaseini Rokolati and Anand Kumar.
Photos: Mereleki Nai
The State has completed all major evidence disclosures in the Vatia drug case, moving one of Fiji's largest alleged drug importation prosecutions a step closer to trial.
Multiple boxes of evidence were presented before Justice Samuela Qica at the High Court in Ba today as 13 accused persons appeared in court.
The accused are Ponipate Mateyawa, John Toatala, Merewalesi Qolimaiwasa, Alejandro Juvenal Yagual Gonzalez, Luciano Enrique Mero Sanchez, Ramon Isidro Vega Parraga, Jonathan Javier Solorzano Bermello, Bainivalu Sauturaga, Norman Fisher, Manasa Saladrau, Anaseini Rokolati, Anand Kumar and Vishwa Nadan.
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All 13 face charges of conspiracy to import illicit drugs, while some also face additional charges relating to possession of proceeds of crime.
It is alleged that between November 1, 2025, and January 15, 2026, they conspired among themselves and with others in and around Fiji to unlawfully import, transport, transfer and store approximately 2,644 kilograms of illicit drugs.
State prosecutor John Rabuku told the court all available evidence had been disclosed to defence counsel.
The disclosures include witness statements, D folios containing search warrants and medical reports, digital evidence stored on USB devices, and each accused person's caution interview transcript together with its digital copy.
Mr Rabuku said the remaining interview transcripts, including those of immunity witnesses, would be distributed over the next two weeks to complete the disclosure process.
He said the evidence had been organised into several volumes, with Volume One containing witness statements, Volume Two containing search warrants, exhibit lists and medical reports, while USB devices contain digital evidence and photographs included in Volume Four.
Justice Qica adjourned the matter to September 4 to hear the State's application to consolidate the charges and determine whether any party objects to the proceedings being heard as a single case.
The four Ecuadorian nationals, Gonzalez, Sanchez, Parraga and Bermello, are represented by Shirley Tivao.
Mateyawa, Toatala, Qolimaiwasa, Saladrau and Rokolati are represented by Unaisi Baleilevuka of Fortis Lawyers and Consultants.
Sauturaga is represented by Daveta Lawyers, Fisher by Mark Anthony of Millbrook Law Partners, Kumar by Wasu Pillay of Gordon & Co., and Nadan by Mohammed Yunus.
The court also heard that Ms Tivao's evidence boxes will be delivered to her office because they cannot be transported by air.
