Vatia seizure accused further remanded

Eleven people allegedly linked to the Vatia Wharf drug seizure have been further remanded by the Ba High Court.

Four foreign nationals and two men from Ba were remanded in custody following the seizure of 2,630 parcels of cocaine at Vatia Wharf in Tavua.

Those before the court include Bainivalu Suguturaga, 26, unemployed, of Veisaru, Ba; Munendra, 39, a carrier operator, also of Veisaru; and four Ecuadorian nationals — Luciano Sanchez, 47; Jonathan Bermello, 30; Ramon Parraga, 52; and Alejandro Gonzalez, 47 — all fishermen.

Also appearing were Ponipate Seuvou Mateyawa, John Taotala, foreign national Iliesa Cokanasiga, Merewalesi Qalomaiwasa, 33, and Jonathan Pedro Hill.

Also appearing were Ponipate Seuvou Mateyawa, John Taotala, foreign national Iliesa Cokanasiga, Merewalesi Qalomaiwasa, 33, and Jonathan Pedro Hill.

Waisea Nasokia

The accused are charged with various counts, including conspiracy to import illicit drugs.

The matter has been adjourned to February 27 at the Ba High Court.