3 Cops, 2 Civilians Denied Bail

Three police officers and two civilians charged with tampering with drug evidence during a police operation were further remanded yesterday.

They appeared before Magistrate Lakshitha Jayawardhana at the Suva Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

The three officers, Roy Peter John Senibici, Inoke Jeke Tikomaimalevani and Samisoni Ralulu, are charged with one count of interfering with evidence, contrary to Section 37 of the Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004.

All five accused face an additional charge of conspiracy to defeat justice, Contrary to Section 191(b) of the Crimes Act of 2009.

Civilians, Anare Buresolei and Anare Buresolei Vulaki, are charged with one count of aiding and abetting and interfering with evidence, contrary to Section 45 of the Crimes Act 2009, and Section 37 of the Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004.

(From top-bottom)Suspended Police offcer Inoke Tikomaimalevani, Anare Buresolei, Anare Buresolei Vulaki, Suspended Police officer Samisoni Ralulu, and Suspended Police officer Roy Peter Senibici, outside Court in Suva on March 5, 2024. Photo: Ronald Kumar

Mr Cakau told the court the individuals were serious about applying for bail and were willing to adhere to strict court conditions.

Buresolei’s lawyer, Bolameke Qioniwasa, told the court her client had been in custody for eight days since February 26, and he had a previous case in 2010 that had already been dealt with.

She told the court that Buresolei had one surety and was willing to pay $500 cash bail.

However, Magistrate Jayawardhana said no bail amount had been set yet, so all accused persons must wait.

Ralulu and Vulaki are represented by Legal Aid lawyers Severo Ravu and Navuni Watisoni Tagi.

The case is adjourned to March 19 for a bail hearing.

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