Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
1 April, 2026, 12:31 pm
Central - 29°C Clouds
1 April, 2026, 12:31 pm Central - 29°C Clouds

Australian national serving 23 years for drug related charges appeals his conviction and sentence

Australian national serving 23 years for drug related charges appeals his conviction and sentence

By Pratika Mala
21/07/2020
Australian national John Nikolic during a court appearance in March, 2019. [image: file]

Australian national John Nikolic who was convicted of two counts of possession of illicit drugs, one count of possession of arms and ammunition without a licence and two counts of unlawful importation of illicit drugs is appealing his conviction and sentence.

He appeared before Fiji Court of Appeal Judge Justice Chandana Prematilaka today.

In his grounds of appeal, Nikolic is alleging professional misconduct and incompetencies by his defence lawyers.

DPP lawyer Rajneel Kunar told the court they were also trying to locate Nikolic's wife who was somewhere in the Northern Territory of Australia to serve her appeal papers.

Nikolic was sentenced to 23 years imprisonment with a non-parole period of 18 years.

Nikolic had imported 12.9 kilograms of cocaine and 34.4 grams of methamphetamine with an estimated value of between $20 million to $30 million.

The case will be called again on 23rd September.

FEATURE NEWS
Fuel price rise will have direct impact on prices of goods and services - FCEF
The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation is calling on the Government to clearly communicate its plans and messaging, in relation to the fuel crisi...
1 hour ago
LATEST NEWS
National crisis caused by fuel price increases will not be short term, we need clear action plan - Prof. Prasad
NationalWe need to act decisively, communicate clearly, understand that the significant increase in fuel prices will have an impact across the board, ...
2 minutes ago

Rise in fuel prices to affect taxi operators, drivers, and the people - Shameem
Former Fiji Taxi Association Assistant General Secretary Mohammad Shameem says the rise in fuel prices is going to significantly affect taxi ...
25 minutes ago

State withdraw charges against Naucukidi as complainant wishes to reconcile
The State has filed to withdraw the charges against former Acting Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner, Sevuloni Naucukidi as the complainant wishes ...
2 hours ago

Alumita Seru calls for more awareness and support after daughter’s cancer battle
A mother, whose daughter battled blood cancer and whose family had to move from Labasa to Suva for treatment, is calling for greater awareness, early ...
3 hours ago

Huge increase in fuel prices from today
The effects of the global fuel crisis has started for Fiji as prices of fuel have increased drastically from today.The price of kerosene which is VAT ...
3 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Fiji Sports Council Saga: Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
26 days ago

National Talanoa Session on Illicit Drugs in Fiji: 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025
The illicit drug situation in Fiji has been described as a national emergency, with 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025. Minister for Policing ...
33 days ago

Charlie Charters held at Nadi Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file
Fijian national, Charlie Charters is being held at immigration at Nadi International Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file.fijivillage News has ...
33 days ago

TOP