THE disappearance of key evidence in a high-profile drug case has sparked concerns about the security of exhibits in some of Fiji’s biggest criminal investigations, with Opposition MP Premila Kumar questioning whether the public can have confidence in the Fiji Police Force’s handling of evidence.
Ms Kumar has called for an independent investigation after revelations in the Suva Magistrates Court that documentary and physical evidence in the drug case against former lawyer Shazran Abdul Lateef could not be located.
“It is deeply concerning about accountability within the Fiji Police Force,” she said.
The prosecution told the court that critical evidence was missing, forcing the trial to be vacated while directions were sought from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
“What is even more alarming is that the court had reportedly been informed as early as last year that the evidence was missing, yet the matter continued to proceed,” Ms kumar said.
She said the issue raised serious concerns about the integrity of the justice system.
“It undermines criminal prosecutions, compromises the integrity of investigations, denies justice to victims and their families, and erodes public confidence in law enforcement.”
She questioned whether similar problems could affect major drug investigations, including the significant seizures in Vatia and Sabeto.
“Whether the quantity of drug is small or large, the job of the police is to store evidence for trial.
“We do have concern that evidence can go missing for the Vatia case. How can the Fiji Police Force expect public to have trust in the police force?”
Questions sent to the Fiji Police Force remained unanswered when this edition went to press last night.
