The State is likely to charge more individuals allegedly connected to the movement of 4.8 tonnes of methamphetamine within Nadi late last year, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku said.
He revealed this in the High Court in Lautoka yesterday where the 13 people accused of the crime made their first court appearance.
Justice Aruna Aluthge revoked bail for the 13 accused — former national squash rep Justin Ho, David Heritage, Louie Frank Penijamini Logaivau, Isaac Lesiyanawai, Ratu Aporosa Davelevu, Sakiusa Tuva, Iosefo Roqica, Maika Yabakivou, Ratu Osea Levula, Cathy Tuirabe, Nancy Mateyawa, Jale Aukerea and Keanie Lilo McPherson.
His decision followed lengthy submissions from Mr Rabuku, who argued the State’s submission was not properly considered by Magistrate Jioji Boseiwaqa when the matter was first called at the Nadi Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The lead prosecutor said the court should consider this as an extraordinary case because there was a likelihood some of the accused may abscond bail since a number of them had fled to Taveuni during the course of the investigations.
Mr Rabuku told the court the amount of drugs involved was extensive and the protection of the community was vital in such a case of public interest.
Following submissions from the nine defence counsels which continued until around 5pm, Judge Aluthge ruled the accused be remanded in custody and he would give his reasons on Monday.
Mr Rabuku said the drug trade was on our shores and what we usually see only in the movies was unfolding before us.
Defence lawyer Litia Vateitei argued that the State and the police had adequate resources to ensure bail was adhered to by the accused.
Iqbal Khan, who represented Mr Ho and Mr Logaivau, said these were allegations and most issues raised by the State yesterday could have been raised in the lower court.
The defence lawyers also argued that the State should have come prepared knowing too well that it was a case of public interest.
Judge Aluthge then informed court this was a complicated case and he could not understand why the magistrate rushed through his ruling, adding the complexity of the case must be considered.
