Driver faces court for criminal, traffic charges

A34-year old taxi driver of Valelevu, Nasinu, was produced at the Navua Magistrates Court yesterday facing multiple criminal and traffic charges, including a charge for allegedly bribing a Police officer with $4000.

The accused was arrested on Sunday night by a taskforce after information was received of his alleged involvement in drugs. Information was received that he was travelling towards Suva allegedly transporting drugs whereby a Police team set up a roadblock at Wainadoi.

After 6pm the accused was seen approaching the roadblock, but he allegedly refused to stop and drove right through nearly hitting two Police officers who were manning the site.

The taskforce team gave chase in a vehicle up to Namuka-i-Lau where the accused made a U-turn and headed towards Naboro, where he was eventually stopped and arrested.

Upon his arrest the accused is alleged to have offered the arresting officer $4000 to let him go.

He was escorted to the Navua Police Station where he was:

■ charged with bribery of public officials, ■ resisting arrest,

■ unlawful possession of illicit drugs after he was found with 0.44 grams of methamphetamine,

■ He is also faces charges for dangerous driving,

■ failure to obey road markings,

■ contravention of the 3rd party policy,

■ failed to produce driving licence and

■ driving a motor vehicle without a valid driving licence.

The accused was produced at the Navua Magistrates Court yesterday and will reappear today to provide two sureties.

Source: Fiji Police Force