The trial into the seizure of 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine resumed yesterday, with Police Constable Edward Joseph Bibi taking the stand.
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku led Mr Bibi through his evidence, focusing on photographs taken at the Legalega home where the drugs were discovered on January 14, 2024.
Mr Bibi said he saw drug residue on the carpet and took photos of the house’s interior and exterior, including bulk and individual shots of the drug packages. He later handed the images to the police digital crime team.
Forensics officer describes scene work
Former Women Police Constable Annie Maria, who joined the Lautoka Forensics Unit in 2019, was the second witness called yesterday.
She told the court she arrived at the Legalega property with her team around 1pm and returned later for a second sweep of the house.
The team then went to the Namaka Police Station where the drug containers were photographed and processed.
Ms Maria said it took until 9am the next day to complete the photo documentation of the drug consignment. The drugs were then sent to the chemistry lab in Suva.
She also recalled attending another drug scene at Maqalevu, although she couldn’t remember the exact date. There, she said, “a few boxes, a suitcase, and containers stacked together in the bathroom and toilet area” were discovered, some labelled “Kadavu waka.” Inside were bags containing white crystal meth, which she photographed.
Scene commander describes drug testing
Corporal Serupepeli Rovia testified that he accompanied the Director of Forensics from Suva to Nadi on January 14. Upon reaching Namaka Police Station, he said the drug exhibits were formally handed over to their team.
At the scene, he assumed the role of team leader and instructed officers on evidence processing.
He told the court he cut open the seals on the containers, took photos, and passed the contents to the chemistry team.
He confirmed the drugs were repacked and transported to the Forensics Lab in Suva.
On January 20, he also joined Ms Maria at the Maqalevu scene, photographing the area and lifting fingerprints.
Chain of custody questioned
Defence lawyer Mosese Naivalu, representing accused Ratu Osea Levula, questioned Mr Rovia about the chain of custody.
He asked whether the Legalega process followed standard procedure — “search, seizure and transport” and suggested that there was no way to verify the photo’s location due to the nature of the seizure. Mr Rovia agreed.
Mr Rovia also confirmed that ASP Josua Vosaki, officers from the Police Mobile Force and Republic of Fiji Military Forces accompanied the drugs to Suva for storage.
AFP tests confirmed meth, court hears
Mr Rabuku told the court that the Australian Federal Police travelled to Fiji and conducted a purity test confirming the seized substance was methamphetamine. Samples were then sent back to Australia.
The State signalled its intention to tender this evidence in court, pending any objection from the defence.
The trial continues.
