While police only announced on Wednesday that a quantity of cocaine vanished from the High Court exhibit room in Suva, Chief Registrar Tomasi Bainivalu disclosed last night that a “secret” investigation began early this year.
“There’s an investigation already in place earlier this year,” he said.
It is unclear if law enforcement was aware of the theft for months.
Authorities have also not answered questions on reports that the amount missing is more than the seven bars announced by police. There were 39 in total.
Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga said Government would collate information before making it public, after relevant parties met at the A-G’s office yesterday.
“We’ll be issuing a press statement in the morning,” he said.
“The purpose of the meeting was basically to call all the parties.
“Government needs to collate all the relevant information than put it out in the public, we understand that it’s a concern of the public.”
Mr Turaga confirmed the meeting centred on the missing cocaine bars.
“Of course, plus other things.”
The development raises questions about security and accountability at the High Court exhibit room, including who had access and when the exhibits were last accounted for.
The police investigation is continuing.
