Fiji Police have identified six persons of interest following the disappearance of 40kg of cocaine bars stored inside the Suva High Court evidence room, according to Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu. The missing narcotics, consisting of 39 cocaine bars with an estimated street value of US$14 million, were originally seized in 2019 during investigations tied to the high-profile Johua Rahman case.
Investigation Progress and Evidence Gathering at Suva High Court
Investigators have recorded formal statements from 27 individuals as part of ongoing efforts to identify anyone with direct access to the court exhibits. Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu confirmed during a Wednesday news briefing that the investigation team is actively gathering documentary records while working alongside technical units. One person of interest is currently overseas and will face questioning by authorities, according to an earlier police statement released Tuesday.
The digital forensic team within Fiji Police is currently extracting available CCTV footage and reviewing biometric access records from the courthouse. To streamline the inquiry, a dedicated team has been established at the CID headquarters, drawing senior investigators from the Major Crime Unit, the digital forensic unit, and the anti-many laundering and proceeds of crime division.
Timeline of the Seized Narcotics
The seized parcels were initially kept in police custody after being recovered in 2019, with initial laboratory tests conducted in February and July of that year confirming the substances tested positive for cocaine. Authorities subsequently transferred the exhibits to the Suva High Court vault in March 2021. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions issued a defensive statement clarifying its administrative role in managing the drug exhibits as scrutiny over chain-of-custody protocols intensifies.
Government Building Security and Political Reactions
Amid the ongoing fallout from the missing court exhibits, police have taken over physical security at Government Buildings. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka addressed the public during local reporting at Government Buildings in Suva, urging citizens to place their trust in the judiciary while issuing a stern warning to corrupt actors within the system. “We are going to find them and they are going to face the consequences of their actions,” Rabuka said, referring to rogue elements inside judicial structures.
Did you know? The missing narcotics originated from a 2019 seizure linked to the Johua Rahman case and were valued at approximately US$14 million before being transferred from police custody to the Suva High Court vault in March 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Suva High Court Investigation
How many persons of interest have been identified in the missing cocaine case?
Fiji Police have confirmed that six persons of interest have been identified, with investigators currently working to question one individual who is overseas.
What is the estimated value of the missing cocaine bars?
The 39 missing cocaine bars carry an estimated street value of roughly US$14 million.
When were the drugs transferred to the Suva High Court?
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu stated that the exhibits were moved from police custody to the Suva High Court vault in March 2021.
What agencies are handling the investigation?
A dedicated team at the CID headquarters comprises senior investigators from the Major Crime Unit, the digital forensic unit, and the anti-many laundering and proceeds of crime division.
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