Man remanded over alleged import of 491.6g meth

A man accused of importing nearly half a kilogram of methamphetamine has been remanded in custody after his bail application was denied.

Kalokalo Mataunidilo appeared before Magistrate Jeremaia Savou at the Nadi Magistrates Court today, where the court heard he faces two serious drug-related charges.

On the first count, Mataunidilo and another accused are alleged to have been in unlawful possession of, and to have imported, methamphetamine weighing 491.6 grams in Nadi on January 6.

The second count alleges that between December 31, 2025, and January 6, 2026, Mataunidilo and another accused, Mereani Caginisiga, engaged in the transfer, transportation and importation of methamphetamine without lawful authority in Nadi.

The accused told the court he understood the charges when they were read to him.

Police prosecution strongly objected to bail, informing the court that Mataunidilo was arrested and charged alongside Caginisiga, who remains in custody after appearing in court last Thursday.

The prosecution also applied for the matter to be transferred to the High Court and requested that the accused be produced again on January 22.

Defence counsel opposed the objection, submitting that a bail application had already been served and seeking bail under strict conditions. The defence also told the court that Mataunidilo had previously complied with court processes when facing a similar charge and was later acquitted.

In response, the prosecution argued that the defence had failed to provide proper documentation to support claims of prior compliance with bail conditions.

In delivering his ruling, Magistrate Savou said that, considering the public interest, the nature of the alleged offending and the need to maintain public confidence in the administration of justice, bail was denied.

The matter has been transferred to the High Court in Lautoka and will be recalled on January 22.

Mataunidilo has been remanded at the Natabua Remand Centre and has 28 days to appeal the bail decision.