Court denies bail for drug accused

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Netani Luke (sitting, second from right) outside the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday (Monday, July 18, 2021). Picture: JALE DAUCAKACAKA

A 30-year-old man, arrested and charged by police for his involvement in the cultivation of marijuana worth close to $1 million, was denied bail by the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday.

He appeared before Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili in a special court sitting.

The accused, Netani Luke, was arrested by police during a drug raid near Rakiraki Village, in Yale, Kadavu on October 11, in which 130kg of marijuana was seized.

Police prosecutor Inspector Josua Shaw objected to bail, adding the matter was a serious crime and was of public interest.

Mr Ratuvili ordered the accused to present a surety during his bail hearing on October 22.

In his defence, Mr Luke sought bail as he was yet to be vaccinated but the court saw his vaccination status as a non-issue during bail proceedings as special arrangements could be made.

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