A boat operated by Nadi businessman Anand Kumar was allegedly used to transport 2.6 tonnes of cocaine from a narco-submarine originating from Ecuador to Fiji, according to a High Court ruling.
The allegation was detailed by Justice Samuela Qica in his July 31 ruling refusing Kumar’s application for bail pending trial.
According to the court, Kumar operates boat hire and game fishing charter services from Nadi under the business name Giant Trevally Fishing.
It is alleged that a boat used in his business was used to load cocaine from a narco-submarine originating from Ecuador before transporting the drugs to Vatia Wharf in Tavua.
The alleged operation took place in January this year, while Kumar was formally charged on June 4.
Kumar faces one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs, one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs and one count of possession of property suspected of being proceeds of crime.
The court was told the illicit drug was allegedly cocaine weighing 2.6 tonnes.
In considering Kumar’s bail application, Justice Qica described the quantity involved as “enormous”.
He said the allegation was that Kumar’s business vessel had been used as the means of bringing drugs from a foreign narco-submarine onto Fijian soil.
The judge noted the case formed part of a wider investigation involving other accused persons, some of whom had already been refused bail.
The State told the court investigations were continuing and there was a risk of interference with witnesses if Kumar was released.
Kumar, however, claimed during his caution interview that he had acted as an informant for foreign agents and local police and had been working undercover.
The State maintained there was no written authority permitting the transfer of illicit drugs using Kumar’s vessel.
Justice Qica said the case allegedly involved a sophisticated transnational operation and found that the risk of interference with evidence or witnesses could not be dismissed.
“The public interest in the proper investigation and prosecution of large-scale drug importation and possession offences is of the highest order,” Justice Qica said.
He also highlighted Fiji’s geographical position and the documented use of its maritime approaches by international trafficking networks as factors weighing heavily in favour of protecting the community.
Justice Qica ultimately found there remained a material risk Kumar would not surrender to custody given the gravity of the charges and potential sentence.
The court refused bail, although Kumar remains entitled to file a fresh or review application or appeal the decision.
