THE High Court in Lautoka has discharged five people charged in relation to the 4.1 tonnes of methamphetamine found in Nadi in January.
The five are Isaac Lesiyanawai, Michael Pickering, Iosefo Roqica, Maika Yabakivou and Nancy Mateyawa.
The five were part of the 15 charged with unlawful importation of illicit drugs, unlawful possession of illicit drugs and possession of property suspected of being proceeds of crime relating to the importation and transportation of the illicit substances valued at more than $2billion.
The group appeared before High Court judge Justice Aruna Aluthge.
The State was represented by acting DPP John Rabuku and DPP senior State counsel Joeli Nasa. Mr Rabuku filed an anomaly against five of the accused on various counts they were charged under on the consolidated information.
Defence lawyer Mark Anthony requested that his client, Isaac Lesiyanawai, be given his passport and cash. An unconditional discharge was granted to Mr Lesiyanawai after representations given to the DPP by his lawyer.
Mr Rabuku did not object and requested the court that the police release all personal items seized from the accused.
Mr Rabuku said of the five, three have been granted immunity. They are Maika Yabakivou, Nancy Mateyawa and Iosefo Roqica.
He said it was important as the State would be disclosing the statements recorded from these accused persons to the defence in due course.
Mr Rabuku said there were 200 documents that needed to be disclosed, including photographs, and three statements from those granted immunity. Defence lawyer Iqbal Khan, who is representing some of the accused, requested the court that the documents also be given to them to prepare for bail.
The acting DPP also requested that the State be given three weeks to review the documents and photographs.
However, Justice Aruna Aluthge objected, saying he would only give them 14 days, and that the matter would be called for mention on April 18. Justice Aruna Aluthge adjourned the matter to May 3 for a plea.
