34 year old fitness trainer Jonathan Hill, 39 year old Ponipate Mateyawa, 49 year old from New Zealand John Taotala, 40 year old boat captain Iliesa Cokanasiga, and 33 year old Merewalesi Qolimaiwasa have appeared in the Ba Magistrates Court today in relation to the $3 billion Vatia cocaine seizure.
Police say following consultations with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the five accused persons have been charged with a count of conspiracy to commit importation of illicit drugs.
It is alleged that between 1st November, 2025 and 15th January, 2026, in and around Fiji, the five accused conspired amongst themselves and with others to unlawfully import, transport, transfer and the storage of 2644 kg of illicit Drugs.
In addition, New Zealand national John Taotala has been charged with two counts of possession of items believed to be proceeds of crime.
Hill and Qolimaiwasa have each been charged with a count of possession of items believed to be proceeds of crime.
While entering court, Hill was holding up a message apologizing to his family.
He is the Assistant Minister and Deputy Speaker, Lenora Qereqeretabua's son-in-law.
The Fiji Police Force investigation team continue to pursue further leads arising from this major case.
Meanwhile Police have already clarifed after many requests by fijivillage News that no drugs were found during the search done at the residence at Kabara Street, Samabula on Thursday night.
Police say a suspect who is related to a family member was earlier arrested in Wainadoi and was present during the course of the search.
The search for a document done at the residence was a process of investigation.
fijivillage News stresses that Qereqeretabua is not under investigation.
Stay with us for developments.
