A PROMINENT Suva-based lawyer facing drug-related charges has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Shazran Abdul Lateef and Zoe Maharaj Moore who are jointly charged with three counts possession of illicit drugs appeared before Suva Magistrate Jioji Boseiwaqa yesterday.
Ms Moore also pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Both Mr Lateef and Ms Moore were arrested following a raid at a home in Nailuva Rd, Suva on Sunday.
It is alleged that on July 14, 2019, at Raiwaqa, both Mr Lateef and Ms Moore without lawful authority, were in possession of 7.89 grams of methamphetamine, 12.49 grams of cocaine and 2.5 grams of cannabis, which all were illicit drugs.
Police prosecutor Sgt Prathana Devi served full phase disclosures in court yesterday and objected to bail for both accused persons on the grounds that the matter was of public interest and they had pending cases of similar nature before other courts.
She said Mr Lateef had also breached his previous bail conditions by allegedly committing similar offences.
The defence lawyer for Mr Lateef, Filimoni Vosarogo, said for the State to argue against bail for his client, there was a need to have strong evidence against his client since he lived in a three-tier property and the alleged drugs found could have belonged to anyone.
Ms Moore opted for Legal Aid representation.
Magistrate Boseiwaqa will make his bail ruling today.
The duo has been remanded in custody.
