16 people charged in relation to $3B cocaine bust further remanded in custody

The 16 people who were involved in relation to the $3 billion Vatia cocaine drug seizure have been further remanded in custody.

The 16 people appeared before Ba High Court Judge Justice Samuela Qica today.

They include the four Ecuadorian nationals who are each charged with with one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs, unlawful possession of illicit drugs, and unlawful entry into Fiji.

24-year-old Bainivalu Suguturaga is charged with one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs, two counts of unlawful possession of illicit drugs, and one count of serious assault while 32-year-old Munendra is charged with one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs and one count of serious assault.

Also included are 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 case who are all 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. 

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. 

46-year-old Manasa Saladrau of Waiyavi, Lautoka; 42-year-old self-employed Norman Fisher of Vuda, Lautoka; 36-year-old self-employed Sunia Kobululevu of Nanuya Street, Lautoka; 33-year-old Trevis Cheer, also of Nanuya Street, Lautoka; and 23-year-old Anaseini Lisa Kinikinilau Rokolati, an Australian citizen are  charged with conspiracy to commit the unlawful importation of illicit drugs.

In addition to the conspiracy charge, Kobululevu has been charged with criminal intimidation.

Saladrau and Rokolati have also been charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs.

Saladrau is further charged with destroying evidence.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions says that all counsels were served with a copy of the disclosures and any further disclosures will be served within 21 days.

The case has been adjourned to the 20th of next month.