A 68-year-old man will appear in the Tavua Magistrates Court today charged in relation to the alleged importation of illicit drugs following the seizure of cocaine in Vatia in January this year.
Police say that, following advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the accused has been formally charged with one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs.
The authorities seized 2.64 tonnes of cocaine at Vatia Wharf, with an estimated street value of around $3 billion if sold in Australia.
Meanwhile, 5 people have been granted immunity in relation to this case while the remaining accused still facing charges are Anaseini Lisa Kinikinilau Rokolati, Bainivalu Suguturaga, Ponipate Mateyawa, John Taotala, Merewalesi Qolimaiwasa, Manasa Saladrau, Norman Fisher and Sunia Kobululevu.