Alleged Drug Peddlers Told to Formally Apply for Bail
Two men who were allegedly found in possession of 952.6 grams of marijuana in a drug raid were told to formally apply for bail.
Vilive Qilisa Vulu and Sairusi Uasiro appeared before Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama yesterday.
The two were arrested after a successful drug raid which was conducted by Totogo Joint Ops with K9 officers on board an inter-island vessel that was returning from Kadavu on May 2.
The raid conducted on the vessel resulted in the seizure of several parcels, bullets and branches of dried marijuana leaves.
Vulu and Uasiro are jointly charged with one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Monish Chandra objected to their bail on the grounds that the offence was serious as it involved a substantial amount of illicit drugs.
He highlighted that the two accused persons allegedly unloaded the drugs from the vessel MV Liahona II that travelled from Kadavu and docked at Port Mua-i-Walu.
Sergeant Chandra told the court that the prosecution had a strong case with evidence against both accused.
He said if the court was to consider bail, he sought for cash bail with two suitable sureties provided by each accused and strict bail conditions.
Vulu claimed in court that the alleged drugs that were found belonged to him and not Uasiro and that Uasiro was his cousin and had nothing to do with the alleged drugs.
However, Magistrate Bodaragama said the offence was serious and ordered them to file formal bail applications.
They were remanded in custody.
The case was adjourned to May 19 for mention.