Five people charged in connection with the seizure of more than $1billion worth of cocaine in Vatia, Tavua, have been ordered to file a notice of alibi by February 5 if they intend to account for their whereabouts during the alleged offence period.
The five were arrested in Nadi on January 17 following a major drug bust in Vatia, Tavua, where more than 2.6 tonnes of cocaine was seized by police.
The directive for an alibi was issued by Magistrate Namrata Mishra to fitness trainer Jonathan Hill, New Zealand national John Taotala, Merewalesi Qolimaiwasa, Iliesa Cokanasiga and Ponipate Mateyawa when they appeared in court yesterday.
The group faces charges of conspiracy to commit the unlawful importation of illicit drugs and possession of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime, allegedly committed between November 1, 2025, and January 17, 2026.
Magistrate Mishra told the accused that any alibi evidence must be filed within 21 days and before their appearance in the High Court.
Mr Hill, represented by Maria Asinate Raga, also faces a separate charge of possessing $1000 in cash suspected to be proceeds of crime in Nadi on January 17.
Mr Taotala and Ms Qolimaiwasa are further charged with possession of items believed to be proceeds of crime, including a generator, raincoat, extension wire and 102 litres of fuel.
Deputy DPP John Rabuku told the court the State intends to consolidate the case with six others already before the Magistrate’s Court in Rakiraki. The matter will be transferred to the Lautoka High Court.
The case was adjourned to February 5. All accused remain remanded.
This is the second group tied to the 2.6 tonnes of cocaine seized off Vatia waters in the early hours of January 16.
The first group included four Ecuadorian nationals and two locals.
These included Bainivalu Suguturaga, 24, Munendra, 32, Luciano Enrique Mero Sanchez ,47, Jonathan Javier Solorzano Bermello,30, Ramon Isidro Vega Parraga, 52, and Alejandro Juvenal Yagual Gonzalez, 47, who are all scheduled to appear at the Lautoka High Court on February 5.
