News Court Drugs

Forensic Officer confirms drugs in Lateef and Maharaj case were methamphetamine and marijuana

Forensic Officer confirms drugs in Lateef and Maharaj case were methamphetamine and marijuana
Fiji Police Force Forensic Chemistry Unit Principal Scientific Officer Miliana Werebauinona has confirmed that the drugs allegedly found in the possession of former Suva lawyer Shazran Abdul Lateef and Zoe Maharaj Moore in August 2019 were methamphetamine and marijuana.

This comes as the trial, in which Lateef and Maharaj are charged with two counts of possession of illicit drugs, began in the Suva Magistrates Court.

The pair allegedly had 0.0063 grams of methamphetamine and 7.5 grams of marijuana in their possession in Raiwai on 14th August 2019.

During cross-examination, Maharaj's lawyer, Mesake Waqavanua, questioned the credibility of the Fiji Police Force's forensic unit.

Waqavanua also asked the court to allow Maharaj to be examined by a specialist at the CWM Hospital due to an urgent medical issue. 

However, Chief Magistrate Josaia Waqaivolavola ruled that Maharaj would instead receive medical attention at the Suva Corrections Centre.

The prosecution has two more witnesses, who are special police constables, yet to testify.

The trial will resume on 28th August.

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