Sixty witnesses will give evidence today in the trial of nine individuals charged in relation to the importation and possession of 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine.
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku confirmed this during the pre-trial conference hearing at the High Court in Lautoka on Monday.
On trial are Justin Ho, David Heritage, Frank Louie Logaivau, Aporosa Davelevu, Sakiusa Tuva, Jale Aukerea, Ratu Osea Levula, Cathy Tuirabe, and Viliame Colowaliku, who are charged with the importation and possession of 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine between November 2023 and January 2024 in Legalega, Nadi.
Mr Ho, Mr Logaivau, and Mr Aukerea are also charged with having property suspected of being proceeds of crime.
The matter was called before Justice Aruna Aluthge.
Mr Rabuku told the court that five to six witnesses would be called per day over the four-week trial.
He said the defence of duress was “mentioned in passing but it had not been particularised,” and the State needed to know “who threatened Mr Ho, Mr Logaivau, and Mr Heritage”.
Justice Aluthge said this could be disproved by the State once raised in evidence.
Mr Logaivau’s lawyer Mark Anthony told the court the issue of duress was clear in the caution interview, and he did not see a need to particularise it.
The court heard that Ms Tuirabe would be entering a guilty plea today when the case information is read out for the last time. Mr Rabuku told the court the State would support Ms Tuirabe in her mitigation if she took the stand. He also confirmed there was a likelihood more would enter a guilty plea.
Justice Aluthge adjourned the matter accordingly for trial.
