WOMAN SEEKS STATE HELP
It is also alleged that between November to December last year and January this year, the accused persons, without lawful authority, facilitated the importation and were found in possession of 4.8 tonnes of methamphetamine.
Cathy Tuirabe Bainisavu, who is charged with unlawful possession of illicit drug, told the High Court in Lautoka yesterday that she wished to withdraw her private lawyer to seek Legal Aid Commission representation.
Bainisavu, Justin Ho, David Heritage, Louie Logaivau, Ratu Aporosa Davelevu, Sakiusa Tuva, Ratu Osea Levula, Jale Aukerea, Keanie Lilo Mcpherson and Viliame Colowaliku, are charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs.
Ho and Heritage are charged with unlawful importation of illicit drugs. Additionally, Ho, Logaivau and Aukerea are charged with having properties suspected of being proceeds of crime. The accused persons were allegedly found in possession of cash (local and overseas currencies) suspected of being proceeds of crime.
It is also alleged that between November to December last year and January this year, the accused persons, without lawful authority, facilitated the importation and were found in possession of 4.8 tonnes of methamphetamine, an illicit drug.
High Court Judge, Justice Aruna Aluthge presided over the matter. Ho and Logaivau were represented by Samuela Heritage.
Davelevu and Levula appeared without their counsels while Aukerea and Bainisavu were represented by Edwin Wainqolo.
Tuva was represented by a lawyer from Lal Patel Bale lawyers, Levula appeared without his lawyer while Mcpherson and Colowaliku were represented by the Legal Aid Commission. Unal Dev Lal represented the State. Bainisavu told the court that she wished to engage Legal Aid representation and was advised that she could lodge an application with the Legal Aid Commission.
Mr Lal told the court that he had received the supporting affidavit for Colowaliku’s bail application, however, the disclosures were pending in the overall substantive matter, therefore he would be seeking more time to file the respective response and disclosures. Justice Hamza granted time to the State and adjourned the matter to May 3 for mention before further remanding the accused persons.