In a press release on Wednesday, Fiji’s Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed that the missing and tampered exhibits – worth about US$14 million in street value – were linked to the high-profile Joshua Rahman case.
The ODPP said drug exhibits could not be legally destroyed while retrials or appeals remain ongoing, adding that the office was in the process of applying for destruction when the missing drugs were uncovered.
“The ODPP cannot comment on the priorities or processes of the ODPP prior to 2023, however, since the establishment of the Anti-Narcotics Division in 2024, the ODPP is prioritising applications for the destruction of drug exhibits,” the statement read.
“The ODPP recognises the importance of the proper and timely management of drug exhibits, particularly given the risks associated with their continued storage.” the statement said.
The prosecution office confirmed it would make no further comments while police investigations into High Court Registry personnel and the missing exhibits continue.
Fiji Police confirmed on Tuesday that forensic tests showed that all 39 cocaine bars held at the Suva High Court exhibit room had been tampered with.
Police said that one person of interest allegedly involved in the incident is overseas and will be questioned, as investigations continue. They did not provide any further details on the person of interest.
Fiji’s Justice Minister Siromi Turaga told parliament on Tuesday that the disappearance of the cocaine bars was shocking, while Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told local reporters it was “very damaging and embarrassing”.
Turaga said that “no stone will be left unturned” in holding those responsible to account.
Opposition MPs have also weighed in on the issue, calling it a “sad indictment”.
Rabuka said people need to trust the judiciary.
“It is very important for the investigators to find out [who is responsible] because there may be rogue elements in trusted agencies [such as the judiciary],” he told local reporters at Government Buildings in Suva.
“The judiciary is safe. It is the people who are involved that will have to be found out.”
He said Fijian authorities are coming after the “rogue elements”.
“We are going to find them and they are going to face the consequences of their actions.”
