The case of the two Australian nationals who are alleged to have been involved in the unlawful importation of illicit drugs and ammunition on their Yacht Serendipity in Denarau, will now be called at the Suva High Court.

John and Yvette Nikolic are jointly charged with one count of possession of illicit drugs and one count of failure to declare arms and ammunition to a custom officer while John is additionally charged with one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs.

The case was heard before Lautoka High Court Judge Justice Paul Madigan today who granted the transfer of the case to the Suva High Court.

Defence lawyer Wasu Pillay confirmed that the reason for the transfer was because they had applied for an early trial date.

It is alleged that John Nikolic imported 12.9 kilograms of cocaine and the couple had in their possession 34.4 grams of methamphetamine and cocaine tablets with an estimated value of between $20 to $30 million.

It’s also alleged that they failed to declare that they had in their possession one 9 millimetre Smith and Wesson pistol with 62 rounds of ammunition and one revolver with 41 rounds of ammunition.

The case will be called next Thursday before Justice Daniel Goundar at the Suva High Court.