Six accused persons have been remanded in custody following their first court appearance over one of Fiji’s largest recent drug seizures, involving more than 2.6 tonnes of cocaine intercepted at Vatia waters.
The matter was called today at the Rakiraki Magistrates Court, where police confirmed that the seizure last Friday involved cocaine weighing approximately 2,644.5 kilograms.
Those charged are four Ecuadorian nationals — Alejandro Juvenal Yagual Gonzalez, Luciano Enrique Mero Sanchez, Ramon Isidro Vega Parraga, and Jonathan Javier Solorzano Bermello — along with two local men, Bainivalu Suguturaga and Munendra.
Police allege the four Ecuadorian nationals were directly involved in the unlawful importation of the illicit drugs into Fiji.
Each has been charged with one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs, one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs, and one count of unlawful entry into Fiji.
The fifth accused, Bainivalu Suguturaga, faces one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs, two counts of unlawful possession of illicit drugs, and one count of serious assault.
The sixth accused, Munendra, has been charged with one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs and one count of serious assault.
During court proceedings, the four Ecuadorian nationals requested to engage the services of the Legal Aid Commission, citing the seriousness of the charges and their status as foreign nationals.
The two local accused sought permission to undergo medical examinations, which was granted by the court.
Given the scale of the seizure and the nature of the allegations, all six accused were remanded in custody.
No bail applications were entertained at this stage.
The court also ordered that the matter be transferred to the Lautoka High Court, where it will be called for the first time on 5 February 2026.
