Witness takes the stand

CANADIAN national Joshua Rahman, accused of being in possession of more than $30 million worth of cocaine, was re-arrested outside Police CID headquarters in Toorak, state witness DetSgt Usaia Donu told the High Court in Suva yesterday.

Giving evidence before Justice Daniel Goundar, Mr Donu told the court he had been instructed by his supervisor to conduct the re-arrest on February 15, 2019 at 7.55pm.

He told the court Mr Rahman had been released from police custody for a matter relating to cash that was found on him earlier.

Mr Donu said the team received information that drugs had been found at Mr Rahman’s residence at Caubati.

He told the court that after re-arresting Mr Rahman; he escorted him back inside the CID HQ and handed the accused over to another officer.

Meanwhile, the State’s 11th witness, acting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rupeni Taoka, while being crossed examined by defence lawyer Devanesh Sharma, denied in court that the evidence he gave was a coverup and lie.

Mr Taoka said Mr Rahman was not detained in police custody for more than 48 hours.

He told the court that he released Mr Rahman from custody.

Mr Sharma asked Mr Taoka whether the Totogo Police Station diary would have an entry which reflected he had released Mr Rahman.

Mr Taoka replied he did not have the station diary with him, however, he assured the court it had been written.

He told the court that all he knew was that Mr Rahman was arrested on February 12 in Nadi and was brought to Suva in a police vehicle.

He also maintained in court that Mr Rahman was released from police custody and was never continuously detained by police.

Mr Taoka said Mr Rahman had been released and re-arrested outside the CID HQ and charged for being found in possession of illicit drugs.

The trial continues today.