CONCERNS over missing court exhibits have widened, with sources claiming that items including cash and jewellery are also unaccounted for, following the discovery of the disappearance of 50kg cocaine from the High Court exhibit room in Suva.
“All gone,” the source said as unconfirmed reports indicate that the six judicial officers identified as persons of interest have been sent on leave.
The claims have prompted growing questions over the security and management of exhibits held in custody, as Chief Justice Salesi Temo called for a comprehensive audit of court exhibit systems and security procedures.
The cocaine was part of exhibits connected to cases linked to former Australian horse trainer John Nikolic and Fiji-Canadian national Joshua Aziz Rahman.
Both cases concluded more than a year ago.
Authorities have yet to publicly confirm the full extent of the alleged losses from either the High Court in Suva or other courtrooms in the country.
Meanwhile, Chief Justice Salesi Temo has called for closer scrutiny of exhibit handling, storage, access controls and security arrangements.
Initial investigations found that the biometrics and CCTV equipment at the High Court exhibit rooms had been tampered with.
Justice Minister and acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga had not responded to questions at the time of publication.
The crime scene investigation vehicle outside the High Court in Suva on Thursday.
Picture: ANDREW NAIDU
