Court remands accused for bribery, drugs

THE Nadi Magistrate’s Court has remanded a 37-year-old man accused of bribing a police officer and unlawfully possessing over 1.4 kilograms of methamphetamine and illicit narcotics.

Police said a raid was conducted on March 15 at the accused persons home in Barara, Sabeto, where a zip lock plastic containing methamphetamine was allegedly found at the scene.

Another search conducted inside his home led to the discovery of a parcel and another zip lock plastic both containing methamphetamine.

The accused was also charged with one count of bribery for allegedly bribing the arresting officer with $3000 to throw away the seized substances.

The accused will be remanded until March 28, and the case has been transferred to the High Court.

Meanwhile, three men are also in police custody following two separate raids in Natabua.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, (ACP) Livai Driu said the first raid resulted in the arrested of two men, aged 22 and 33 years, following the discovery of several clear plastics containing white crystals believed to be methamphetamine and dried leaves believed to be marijuana.

The second raid resulted in the arrest of a 44-year-old man, after Police discovered zip lock plastics containing white crystals believed to be methamphetamine and cash amounting to $2000, believed to be from proceeds of crime.

ACP Driu said in Tavua, a 30-year-old man who was brought in for a case of theft, faces additional questioning in relation to the unlawful possession of illicit drugs.

He was found to be in possession of a clear plastic containing white substances believed to be methamphetamine. A woman was arrested following the discovery of clear plastics containing white crystals believed to be methamphetamine at her Sabeto home.

ACP Driu adds all seized substances have been sent for analysis as investigations continue.