$2b drug accused out on bail
Aman who is part of a group of 13 charged in relation to the seizure of more than four tonnes of methamphetamine was granted bail by the Lautoka High Court yesterday.
Justice Aruna Aluthge released Ratu Aporosa Davelevu, 44, on bail with strict bail conditions and to appear in the group’s next court date on June 3.
Ratu Aporosa’s lawyer, Salvin Nand had earlier submitted in his bail application for Ratu Aporosa that his client did not have any pending cases against him.
Mr Nand had also submitted that Ratu Aporosa would follow all strict conditions that the court would impose should he be granted bail.
He also submitted that Ratu Aporosa was innocent until proven guilty and that he should be allowed to be let out on bail. Lawyer Joeli Nasa of the DPP’s Office did not object to bail. Justice Aluthge released Ratu Aporosa on a $2000 bond and that he was not to reoffend, surrender all travel documents, not to interfere with witnesses, not to change his address and report weekly to the Lautoka Police Station.
Also released on bail on Friday was David Heritage.
The remaining accused persons will have their bail rulings known on Monday.
The group of 13 include Justin Ho, 32, David Heritage, 44, Louie Frank Logaivau, 22, Issac Lesiyanawai, 40, Ratu Aporosa Davelevu, 44, Sakiusa Tuva, 30, Iosefo Roqica, 29, Maika Yabakivou, 27, Ratu Osea Levula, 30, Cathy Tuirabe, 31, Nancy Mateyawa, 29, Jale Aukerea, 42, and Keanie Mcpherson, 29.
They are charged with unlawful importation of illicit drug, unlawful possession of illicit drug, possession of property suspected of being proceeds of crime, relating to the importation and transportation of the illicit substances with an estimated street value of more than two billion dollars.