Woman remanded over grenade and meth charges

A woman allegedly found in possession of a grenade, methamphetamine and items believed to be proceeds of crime appeared in the Suva Magistrate Court this afternoon.

Zoe Maharaj faces one count each of unlawful possession of illicit drugs, possession of property believed to be proceeds of crime, going equipped for theft or a property offence, and unlawful possession of explosives.

It is alleged that on February 13 in Lami, Maharaj was found with 0.111 grams of methamphetamine, $343 in cash, two portable CCTV cameras, a Harman speaker, a bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon and an electronic scale.

She was also allegedly found with a pinch bar and a grenade.

During proceedings before Resident Magistrate Joseph Daurewa, defence lawyer Isimeli Keteca sought bail, citing his client’s medical conditions, including gastritis and urinary bleeding.

He said she had been in remand since last weekend and had missed medical appointments at Valelevu Health Centre and Aspen Medical in Lautoka.

Mr Keteca said Maharaj’s sister was willing to stand as surety.

He also disputed the allegations, claiming Maharaj was a passenger and not the driver or owner of the vehicle in which the items were allegedly found.

He further questioned the authenticity of the grenade.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Walter Taito objected to bail, describing the matter as serious and alleging Maharaj had been found with a deadly explosive.

Sergeant Taito told the court an expert from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces had safely defused the grenade on the day it was discovered and was conducting further analysis.

He also said Maharaj had breached bail conditions in another matter in which she had previously been granted bail.

Three other cases involving Maharaj remain before Resident Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne.

Those matters are scheduled for a three-day consecutive trial beginning April 13.

The defence was given seven days to file a formal bail application.

Maharaj was remanded in custody until next Tuesday for further disclosures and to hear the bail application.

Magistrate Daurewa also directed the Suva Remand Centre to facilitate medical checks for Maharaj at Valelevu Health Centre.