Three men from Kadavu charged with one count each of unlawful cultivation of illicit drugs appeared in the Suva Magistrates today.

The court heard that more than seven kilograms of marijuana was confiscated from Apisai Daveta and Kalaveti Marawa, while more than 300 kilograms of marijuana was taken from Kiniviliame Nacagilevu.

The prosecution opposed the bail applications for all suspects saying the matter is a serious issue that the country is trying to deal with.

The defendant’s lawyers argued the sureties will be able to ensure the accused persons will appear in court throughout the hearing and said that given their vaccination status, they will risk the safety of others at the remand centre.

The court granted bail to both Daveta and Marawa at $500 each under strict conditions.

However, Nacagilevu’s surety was unable to pay the surety and the court ordered that he be remanded at the Nabua Police Station.

The prosecution has also applied for Nacagilevu’s matter to be transferred to the High Court and referred to the Crimes Act while seeking permission to destroy the confiscated marijuana valued at over $530m.

They claim the seven tonnes of drugs from the latest raid in Kadavu pose a risk to police officers and their families.

The matter will be heard again on October 11th.