37-year-old Eroni Bati, who was arrested on Sunday night for his alleged involvement in the drug case, where two Police officers were earlier charged, has been remanded in custody and the case has been transferred to be heard by the Chief Magistrates on the 1st of October.
Bati appeared before Suva Magistrates Charles Ratakele this afternoon and is charged with one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs.
It was heard in court that Bati on the 11th and 12th September allegedly unlawfully imported 4.7 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Magistrate Ratakele also declared that Bati is a close relative of him and asked the prosecution if they will object to him in presiding over the case.
The prosecution did not object to this.
Bati's lawyer Jagath Karutnaratne applied for bail for his client and told the court that they will abide by any restrictions set by the court.
He also told the court that the prosecution has not provide sufficient evidence to prove their case and his client should be granted bail.
The prosecution strongly objected to bail, stating that this case arises from the case on Monday where two Police officers were remanded for their alleged involvement in the drug case.
She also said that the file should be sent to the DPP's office to consolidate the charges.
In his bail ruling, Magistrate Ratakele recused himself from the case and transferred it to the Chief Magistrates.
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