The State has yet to decide whether a 36-year-old man accused of importing 4.7 kilograms of liquid methamphetamine will be made a state witness.
This was clarified by Senior State Lawyer Unal Lal after defence counsel Mesake Waqavanua informed the court that he and his client had been approached regarding the accused’s potential availability as a state witness.
Mr Lal said no decision had been made, but he would inform Mr Waqavanua and the court once a determination is finalised.
However, Magistrate Charles Ratakele noted that Mr Waqavanua’s submission was premature and therefore disregarded it for the time being.
In the meantime, Mr Matadigo and Mr Lubi, a police officer charged for his alleged involvement in the 4.7 kilograms of liquid meth, have no objections to Mr Lal’s motion to have the case transferred to the Chief Magistrate for consolidation.
However, Mr Lubi’s co-accused officer, Ratu Lote Lewaivanua, is strongly objecting to the transfer, arguing that it does not meet the threshold.
Mr Lewaivanua was also allegedly found in possession of $650, suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Mr Matadigo’s case and the two officers’ case are separate matters handled by Mr Ratakele, which Mr Lal argues is relevant to the case before CM because they are “related” cases.
These separate cases are alleged to have occurred in September this year.
The case before CM is of another civilian, Eroni Kitanamati,37, charged with importing the same amount of drugs.
Mr Ratakele will deliver his ruling on the transfer today.
