State seeks to merge cases in 2.6-tonne cocaine seizure

Fiji's State is seeking to consolidate dozens of legal cases stemming from the nation's massive 2.6-tonne cocaine seizure into one comprehensive trial. Prosecutors informed the High Court in Ba that they intend to merge all matters involving the accused.

Extensive evidence disclosures have been provided to defense lawyers, totaling more than 90 gigabytes. This material, delivered in 13 boxes and several USB drives, includes 129 witness statements, thousands of police documents, search warrants, photographs, forensic evidence, and medical reports. Copies have been prepared for each defendant.

Prosecutors plan to formally apply for the consolidation by August 15. Defense lawyers have requested time to review the disclosures and will respond by September 4. In a separate development, all charges against Vishwa Nandan, who was accused of being on a boat involved in retrieving cocaine from a narco-sub, have been withdrawn, and he has been released.

The trial is anticipated to be scheduled for February or March of next year, with prosecutors expected to file remaining evidence, including transcribed police interviews, at a later date.