Man acquitted of meth import charge

The Suva Magistrate Court has acquitted a man charged with importing 1.183 kilograms of methamphetamine from the United States of America through DHL in 2023.

Zoherb Begg was acquitted on December 5 after Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne found gaps in the police investigation.

This included the failure to interview the accused’s cousin, Imran Khan, who Begg testified had used his identification to import the package.

Begg had been charged with one count each of importing and possession of 1.183kg of meth on February 3 and 7, 2023.

He pleaded not guilty and exercised his right to remain silent in court.

In his caution interview, Begg told police that his cousin was the mastermind behind the importation of the drugs, a claim he maintained consistently throughout the investigation.

He said Khan had messaged him requesting his TIN identification card to import a package but did not specify its contents.

Begg told the court he provided the identification after being promised $1,000, saying he was in need of money at the time.

Magistrate Somaratne noted that while Begg maintained a consistent account, police did not investigate Khan at any stage.

The court heard from one of the investigating officers that Begg was charged solely because the package was addressed in his name.

The magistrate said this raised doubts about the validity and transparency of the police investigation.

Police prosecution has 28 days to file an appeal, with the period ending today.

Questions have been sent to police on whether the matter will be pursued further.