Being undercover gives you no right to drink and drive, Police officer told in court

APolice officer was told by a magistrate that being undercover did not give him the right to drink and drive. Magistrate Peni Dalituicama made the comment while granting Police officer Jonetani Nasoli bail, but under strict conditions.

“Police officers should follow law and order. Being a Police officer and charged for these offences is not proper,” Mr Dalituicama said.

Nasoli, 36, of the Police Mobile Unit in Nasinu, appeared yesterday in the Nadi Magistrate’s Court charged with driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, driving without a valid driving license, driving an unregistered vehicle and dangerous driving.

It is alleged that Nasoli, on October 26, was under the influence of liquor while driving a vehicle that bumped another vehicle parked near the construction site of the new Nadi Police Station. Police later found him asleep in the vehicle and he was given a breathalyser test.

The Land Transport Authority later confirmed Nasoli was on a Learner’s Permit, which had expired on September 11, 2019, while the registration of the vehicle he was driving had expired on September 27, 2019. Defence lawyer Mun Sami Chetty, while applying for Nasoli’s bail said his client was a Police officer and was carrying out undercover operation duties in Nadi. He also said Nasoli denied all allegations.

“The accused was sleeping in the vehicle, which he parked in front of the Nadi Courthouse (which is opposite the construction site).” Mr Chetty also said the accused was a first offender and he had a surety.

Bail was granted under strict conditions, which included a $500 bond, a stop departure from travelling overseas, he was to surrender of travel documents, not to interfere with witnesses and to report to the Nasinu Police Station every second day between 6am and 6pm. Sergeant Francis Bale appeared for the prosecution.

The case will be called again on November 13, where a plea will be taken.