Man Found With Over 1.7kg Cocaine Remanded
Inspector Kumar in his submissions against bail said the case was of public interest.
Monday 04 March 2024 | 21:42
A 24-year-old man, who was found in possession of more than 1.7kg of cocaine, was remanded by the Lautoka Magistrates’ Court last week.
Bainivalu Sauturaga, of Lautoka appeared before Magistrate Jagath Hemantha on a charge of possession of an illicit drug.
Police prosecutor Inspector Arvind Kumar told the court Sauturaga was searched by police and found to be in possession of 7.7 grams of cocaine.
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Later, upon further investigation, a further 1.02kg was found where he resided.
Inspector Kumar in his submissions against bail said the case was of public interest.
He quoted a ruling in a recent bail ruling in the High Court against Justin Ho and others where the time line of 48 hours in police custody was the main issue.
He said Sauturaga was a flight risk and any strict bail conditions against the accused would deter him from absconding because the severity of the case carried a maximum life sentence.
The defence lawyer from Iqbal Khan’s law firm had offered $2000 as part of their bail applications.
Inspector Kumar told the court that was nothing compared to the drug seized, which he said was around $1million worth.
Magistrate Hemantha remanded Sauturaga in custody until March 14.
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