Fiji Police identify six persons of interest in missing cocaine case
Six persons of interest have been identified by Fiji Police following the disappearance of 40 kilograms of cocaine bars stored in the Suva High Court evidence room, according to a police briefing led by Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu on Wednesday. The missing narcotics, consisting of 39 cocaine bars with an estimated street value of US$14 million, were originally seized in 2019 in connection to the high-profile Johua Rahman case before being transferred to the court vault in March 2021.
Investigation Progress and Evidence Gathering at Suva High Court
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu confirmed that investigators are actively gathering documentary records and examining digital logs. The investigation team has already recorded statements from 27 individuals to trace everyone who held direct access to the exhibits. Among the persons of interest, one individual is currently overseas and will be questioned by authorities regarding the missing stash.
The Fiji Police digital forensic team is working to extract available CCTV footage and biometric records from the court premises. Tudravu acknowledged the public demand for swift answers during Wednesday’s briefing. "While I understand that the sense of urgency is demanding quicker rest, we are doing our best to ensure justice prevails," Tudravu said. He added that the force is treating the breach with utmost urgency following concerns raised by the government and the public.
Institutional Response and Security Measures in Suva
In response to the security breach, the Fiji Police Force has established a dedicated investigative unit at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters. This specialized team brings together senior investigators from the Major Crime Unit, the digital forensic unit, and the anti-money laundering and proceeds of crime division. Meanwhile, Fiji’s Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions issued a defensive statement clarifying its administrative role in managing drug exhibits.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka addressed the public regarding the incident, calling on citizens to maintain trust in the judiciary while warning that authorities are actively pursuing internal threats. "We are going to find them and they are going to face the consequences of their actions," Rabuka told local reporters at Government Buildings in Suva, directing his comments toward rogue elements within the system.
Timeline of the Seized Narcotics
The narcotics at the center of the investigation relate to seizures and subsequent legal proceedings:
- 2019: Thirty-nine cocaine bars, valued at approximately US$14 million, are seized in connection to the Johua Rahman case. Initial police tests in February and July confirm the substances are cocaine, and the drugs remain in police custody.
- March 2021: The cocaine exhibits are transferred from police custody to the Suva High Court evidence vault.
- Police confirm 40kg of the stored cocaine is missing, prompting a major investigation, the seizure of Government Buildings security, and the identification of six persons of interest.