A man charged with the murder of Police Constable Peniasi Racagi has applied to have his drug case consolidated with his High Court matter.
Accused Keni Salawai faces a charge of unlawful possession of illicit drugs, allegedly involving 11.6 grams of marijuana, before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad in the Suva Magistrate’s Court.
The State has objected to the application and has sought time to respond to submissions made by his lawyer, Tobia Ravuniwa.
Mr Ravuniwa informed the court that police had executed a search warrant at his client’s residence in Qauia, Lami, in an effort to locate items belonging to Constable Racagi, such as a police vest and torch. During the search, the drugs were allegedly discovered, though this is being disputed by Mr Salawai.
Mr Ravuniwa also argued that consolidation was appropriate as the drug charge involved the same police witnesses as the High Court murder proceedings before Justice Daniel Goundar.
In the High Court, Mr Salawai is charged alongside Jope Seniloli with a count of murder.
His lower court case will be called again on May 7.
