Two Chinese nationals, nabbed in the latest drug raid, claim they were robbed of close to $10,000.
Appearing before Magistrate Mareta Tikoisuva at the Nadi Magistrate’s Court on Monday, Xu Qian, 38, and Wang An, 38, requested the court’s assistance to lodge a formal complaint of their missing items with the police.
The pair’s defence lawyer, Rajshneel Chand of Ace Legal, alleged that client Xu Qian had a bag containing $7000 and his passport stolen while Wang An had $AU100 ($FJ148.07) and $5000 Vanuatu Vatu ($FJ94.5).
Mr Chand said his clients had informed police investigators of the missing items and were advised to lodge a formal complaint.
He said they would need the court’s assistance in providing a Chinese translator to assist the two accused in formally lodging their complaint.
The duo was charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs after they were found with 805.657 grams of methamphetamine.
Magistrate Tikoisuva directed the duo’s police escorts to assist Mr Chand and his clients with their complaint.
Meanwhile, the case has been transferred to the High Court in Lautoka.
It was adjourned from last Friday to allow the court time to hire a translator for the two Chinese nationals who spoke very little English.
They were caught during a police raid in Martintar, Nadi, on September 23.
They were arrested at an Airbnb where they were also found to be on tourist visas.
The case will be called again at the High Court in Lautoka on October 6.
