Two farmers on remand, one on bail after drug seizures

Three farmers who were arrested after they were stopped at a checkpoint in Nasinu appeared at the Magistrates Court in Sigatoka on Wednesday.

On August 2, 2019, at Nasinu, the three were travelling in a taxi and a black and white pouch containing dried leaves believed to be marijuana and $3000 were seized during a search by Police officers.

The matters were called before Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne.

First case:

Simione Yabia, 26, is charged with one count of found in possession of illicit drug.

Yabia is alleged to have been in possession of 352.3 grams of dried leaves believed to be marijuana, an illicit drug. Police prosecutor Constable Setareki Mocevakaca served the accused with full phase disclosures and objected to bail.

Yabia waived his right to counsel and has been remanded in custody.

The matter has been adjourned to September 11.

Second case:

Moape Delai, 26, is charged with one count of found in possession of illicit drug.

Delai is alleged to have been in possession of 165 grams of dried leaves believed to be marijuana, an illicit drug.

Police prosecutor Constable Setareki Mocevakaca served the accused with full phase disclosures and objected to bail.

Delai waived his right to counsel and has been remanded in custody.

The matter has been adjourned for mention to September 11.

Third case:

Waisea Naitini, 29, is charged with one count of found in possession of illicit drug.

Naitini is alleged to have been in possession of 1.0 grams of dried leaves believed to be marijuana, an illicit drug.

Police prosecutor Constable Setareki Mocevakaca served the accused with full phase disclosures and objected to bail.

Naitini waived his right to counsel and has pleaded guilty to the offence.

He was fined $200 in default for 14 days imprisonment.

The matter has been adjourned for review of payment at the Magistrates Court in Nasinu on September 11.

Naitini has been released on bail.