Rahman Guilty, Convicted for Being in Possession of $31m Worth of Cocaine
Canadian national, Joshua Aziz Rahman, was found guilty by the High Court in Suva yesterday for being in possession of 39.5 kilograms of cocaine worth $31 million.
Rahman, 26, now convicted appeared before Justice Daniel Goundar.
Justice Goundar ruled that Rahman had possession of illicit drugs involving 39.5 kilograms (39 bars) of cocaine between January 23 and February 14, 2019, at a rented house in Caubati, Nasinu.
Justice Goundar said that his decision was based on the evidence presented during the trial by the State and the defence.
He said Rahman in his caution interview and in his evidence had not disputed that he had stayed at the house in Caubati when he was in Fiji and that he had access to the property.
Justice Goundar said Rahman was the legal occupant of the house while his father was away in New Zealand.
He added that although Rahman may not have been directly involved in his father’s business,he knew a lot about it.
Justice Goundar said he was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Rahman was in joint possession of an illicit drug with another between January 23, 2019, and February 14, 2019.
Extradition case
In the extradition case, the defence asked for the case to be adjourned until Rahman was sentenced.
It was called before Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili yesterday afternoon, following the judgment of the High Court.
The court heard that the extradition issue would become clearer once the sentencing was handed down.
The case was adjourned to April 30 for mention.