Don’t destroy the 4.5 tonnes of methamphetamine now, lawyers acting for those charged in the Nadi drug bust have asked the Lautoka High Court.
Lawyer Iqbal Khan has filed papers yesterday, claiming discrepancies in the way the drugs have been handled by police.
“There was also an allegation that one tonne went missing but we were told it was reallocated – what does that mean?”, he said.
“We are told the drugs are being in Nasinu/Valelevu at a Police Station, that is the safest place, safer than the bank.
Iqbal Khan states his clients, Justin Ho, Louie Frank Logaivau and Jale Aukerea are claiming discrepancies in the way the drugs have been handled by police.
“We are objecting to the destruction of the drugs on numerous grounds that includes there was a big difference in amounts of the drugs as shown in Police reports and at the time of seizure,” he said at the Lautoka High Court filing the objection.
“Therefore, we are challenging the chain of custody of the drugs that we filed to the State.
“We want the drugs to be destroyed after the trial, we are saying not to destroy, but the trial ends, then you destroy it. That’s what my three clients want.
“What they are saying is that it’s not safe with them, this is in the interest of justice.”
The matter has been adjourned to July 15.