Bail extended for Suva-based manager accused of drug importation

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Shonal Sharma at the Suva Magistrate’s Court. Picture: ANDREW NAIDU/FILE

A 40-year-old General Manager from Tamavua, charged following the interception of a cocaine shipment sent from Brazil, has had his bail extended.

Mr Shonal Sharma appeared before Magistrate Joseph Daurewa in the Suva Magistrate’s Court this morning.

It is alleged that the consignment, addressed to Mr Sharma’s company, arrived in the country on October 25, 2025.

The package, which was declared as a “smoke machine,” was flagged as suspicious after being detected by a drug detector dog during inspection.

When the package was opened, officers discovered that a device labeled as a smoke machine contained a motherboard with a black cover.

Upon cutting the cover open, a white powdered substance was found hidden inside. Preliminary tests confirmed the substance to be cocaine, weighing approximately 640 grams. Following this discovery, a controlled delivery was conducted.

On October 30, a police team intercepted a vehicle at the company’s car park and arrested Mr Sharma, who was charged with importation of illicit drugs.

Mr Sharma is represented by Lawyers Amrit Chand and Devanesh Sharma.

The case has been adjourned to April 23.