The hearing into the Rewa Street and Flagstaff drug raid heard today that a Crime Scene Unit officer corrected her earlier evidence regarding the handling of exhibits.
During cross-examination, Crime Scene Unit officer WPC Jiko Vakaibuavou initially agreed that chain of custody procedures had not been followed.
However, during re-examination, she clarified to the court that she had misspoken and confirms that the proper chain of custody procedures were in fact followed at the material time.
Meanwhile, Investigating Officer Eliki Kaumaitotoya testified that officers from the Serious Crime Department raided the house at Lot 170 Rewa Street and seized items believed to be illicit drugs.
He said the seized exhibits were later stored at Totogo Police Station.
Kaumaitotoya also told the court that cash recovered during the operation included Fijian, Chinese and Hong Kong currencies.
Defence lawyers Shirley Tivou and Jerry Dinati objected to the cash being tendered as evidence, arguing that the serial numbers and photographs of the money had not been disclosed to the defence.
Kaumaitotoya further testified that when he arrived at Lot 134 Rewa Street, other police officers handed him a zip-lock bag containing a white substance, while other officers were counting cash.
Dinati also objected to the cash being tendered, saying the total amount had not been disclosed to the defence and arguing there was a possibility the evidence could have been tampered with.
Yu Yang Feng, Minghui Dai and Zhou Lan are each charged with one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs for allegedly being found with 39.509 grams of methamphetamine.
Lan is also charged with possession of property suspected to be proceeds of a crime after allegedly being found with FJ$7,180, US$60, HK$1,520 and 1,600 Chinese yuan.
Feng is further charged with unlawful supply of illicit drugs.
It is alleged that on 23rd September 2025, without lawful authority, he engaged in dealings with other persons for the transport and supply of methamphetamine.
He also faces a charge of possession of property suspected to be proceeds of a crime after allegedly being found with FJ$906.25 in cash.
Ginna Choi and Peniasi Delai are each charged with one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs for allegedly being found with 0.345 grams of methamphetamine.
