The $1.2 billion cocaine seized last week was transported into the country by narco-subs, highlighting direct links between locals and international drug cartels, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku told the court yesterday.
Representing the State during a bail hearing, Mr Rabuku said the case involved more than 2 tonnes of cocaine and underscored the seriousness of the charges, each carrying a minimum of 20 years imprisonment.
The accused, which include four Ecuadorian nationals and two Fijian men, were apprehended during a drug bust in Vatia, Tavua, on January 16, in what authorities are calling one of Fiji’s largest drug trafficking operations.
Mr Rabuku said the State “vehemently objects” to bail for all six, citing the magnitude and organized nature of the operation.
He said it exposes not only the scale of the smuggling network but also its sophisticated methods, sending a stark warning about the reach of international cartels into the Pacific.
Facing charges of unlawful importation of illicit drugs, unlawful possession of illicit drugs, unlawful entry into Fiji and serious assault are Bainivalu Suguturaga, 24, Munendra, 32, of Varavu, Ba, and Ecuadorian nationals Luciano Enrique Mero Sanchez ,47, Jonathan Javier Solorzano Bermello,30, Ramon Isidro Vega Parraga, 52, and Alejandro Juvenal Yagual Gonzalez, 47.
Magistrate Timoci Qalinauci asked Mr Rabuku why the six accused were held in police custody for more than 48 hours.
Citinging the Justin Ho and others case ruling by the High Court, suspects in major drug cases of this nature could be held over 48 hours unless the State could prove that they were treated fairly during the course of their interviews, Mr Rabuku said.
He explained the accused persons had no complaints about their treatment during their interviews with only Mr Sugutruga and Mr Munenandra having issues with police during their arrest.
The DPP deputy director said the State would address the issue in due course before the High Court.
The case has been transferred to the Lautoka High Court for mention on February 5.
