DPP files application to call witness from NZ via Skype in drug trial

The Director of Public Prosecutions has filed an application to use skype to adduce evidence from a New Zealand witness in the trial of a Canadian national on a drug charge.

Joshua Aziz Rahman appeared before Justice Daniel Goundar yesterday at the High Court in Suva. Rahman is facing one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs. It is alleged that on February 14, 2019, in Caubati, Suva, Rahman was found in possession of 39.5 kilograms of illicit drugs, namely cocaine.

The raid was conducted at the accused person’s home in Caubati on February 14, 2019, where the discovery of 39 bars of white powder was discovered and later tested positive to be cocaine worth more than $30 million.

Defence lawyer Sharoneel Deo from R Patel Lawyers told the court that they had received the application last Friday and would be ob

jecting to it.

Mr Deo told the court that they were objecting to the use of Skype and the relevance of the New Zealand based witness in the case. Justice Goundar said he would have to decide on both issues after hearing from both parties.

He said he was not clear on what had occurred in New Zealand in relation to Joshua’s father and other people being arrested in the case before the Court in Fiji.

He told both parties that the real issue would be the admissibility of the evidence.

Justice Goundar instructed the State to point out exactly the specific evidence they would adduce from the witness in New Zealand and relate to what specific offense since it involved an uncharged act. The matter has been adjourned to March 18.

Rahman has been further remanded in custody by the High Court.

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