Acting Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku has offered five of 15 people charged in relation to the seizure of more than four tonnes of methamphetamine in Nadi a chance at immunity from prosecution.
They are Nancy Mateyawa, Maika Yabakivou, Iosefo Roqica, Isaac Lesiyanawai and Michael Pickering who is already on bail.
They were charged last month with the unlawful importation of illicit drugs, unlawful possession of illicit drugs and possession of property suspected of being proceeds of crime relating to the importation and transportation of illicit substances.
The High Court yesterday received consolidated information from the State and the acting DPP. Justice Aruna Aluthge told the court the five would remain in the custody of the court and not in police custody.
Mr Rabuku said the five would be granted immunity if they testified for the State and be released on bail with strict conditions.
He said they were opportunists in the drug seizure and did not really know what was happening.
Meanwhile, another five accused will have their bail hearing on April 10.
They are Ratu Aporosa Davelevu, Cathy Tuirabe, Osea Levula, David Heritage and Viliame Colowaliku.
Mr Rabuku is expected to file an affidavit in response to their bail application today.
The 15 accused are Justin Ho, Louie Frank Penijamini Logaivau, Isaac Lesiyanawai, Ratu Aporosa Davelevu, Sakiusa Tuva, Iosefo Roqica, Maika Yabakivou,Ratu Osea Levula, Cathy Tuirabe, Nancy Mateyawa, Jale Aukerea, Keanie Mcpherson Viliame Colowaliku, Maika Yabakivou and Michael Pickering.
Legal representations for some of the accused are being handled by lawyers Iqbal Khan and Mark Anthony.
