A heavy police escort and heightened security presence were observed around Rakiraki town and the court precinct this morning as six accused persons appeared before the Rakiraki Magistrates Court in connection with the seizure of 2,630 parcels in Tavua.
Armed officers and uniformed police were deployed at strategic locations around the town centre, with patrol vehicles stationed along main access roads leading to the court complex.
Police were also positioned within and around the court compound as the accused were escorted in for their appearance, drawing the attention of members of the public and court users.
Four Ecuadorian nationals and two local men are facing charges arising from the large seizure in Tavua.
Those charged are Bainivalu Suguturaga, 24, unemployed, of Veisaru, Ba, and Munendra, 32, a carrier operator of Veisaru, Ba.
The Ecuadorian nationals charged are Luciano Sanchez, 47; Jonathan Bermello, 30; Ramon Parraga, 52; and Alejandro Gonzalez, 47 — all fishermen from Ecuador.
