Vatia Wharf drug accused remanded, case transferred to High Court

Four foreign nationals and two men from Veisaru, Ba, have been remanded in custody in connection with the seizure of 2,630 parcels of cocaine at Vatia Wharf.

The accused are Bainivalu Suguturaga, 24, unemployed, and Munendra, 32, a carrier operator, both of Veisaru, Ba, along with four Ecuadorian nationals — Luciano Enrique Mero Sanchez, 47; Jonathan Javier Solorzano Bermello, 30; Ramon Isidro Vega Parraga, 52; and Alejandro Juvenal Yagual Gonzalez, 47 — all fishermen.

They appeared before Magistrate Timoci Qalinauci at the Rakiraki Magistrates Court today.

Suguturaga is charged with one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs, two counts of unlawful possession of illicit drugs and one count of serious assault.

Munendra faces one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs and one count of serious assault.

The four Ecuadorian nationals are each charged with one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs, one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs and one count of unlawful entry into Fiji, contrary to Section 6(1) of the Immigration Act 2003.

Suguturaga is represented by Filimoni Daveta of Daveta Advocates, while Munendra is represented by Mohammed Yunus. The four Ecuadorian nationals have applied for legal aid.

The state is being represented by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution.

The court heard that a coordinated drug raid was conducted in Vatia waters on January 15, 2026.

Forensic analysis confirmed that all 2,630 parcels tested positive for cocaine, with a total weight of 2.64 tonnes and an estimated street value of A$780 million.

Magistrate Qalinauci said the matter was serious and carried a high tariff.

All six accused were remanded in custody and the matter has been transferred to the Lautoka High Court, where they will be produced on February 5.