Prosecutors have told the Ba Magistrate’s Court they are investigating claims that some of those arrested in the Vatia drugs bust were victims of human trafficking and acted under duress.
The group includes Ponipate Mateyawa, John Taotala, Merewalesi Qolimaiwasa, Bainivalu Suguturaga, Norman Fisher, and Manasa Saladrau, alongside foreign nationals Alejandro Gonzalez, Luciano Sanchez, Ramon Parraga, and Jonathan Bermello.
Prosecutor Joeli Nasa told the court that the State would conduct further investigations into the claims of duress and trafficking involving four of the accused within the next 21 days.
The court heard that the respective defence lawyers would write to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions requesting a comprehensive list of outstanding disclosures.
This request includes investigation diaries, photographs of the boat allegedly carrying drugs with the accused, and caution interviews.
Regarding the status of the other accused persons, the court heard that Iliesa Cokanasiga, Jonathan Hill, Sunia Kobululevu Vakaloloma and Travis Cheer were initially granted immunity and released on bail in the previous court mention. Australian national Anaseini Rokolati was also granted bail but not immunity.
Magistrate Mr Qica extended bail for all those previously bailed.
The matter has been adjourned to April 21.
