The Suva High Court in Fiji lost nearly 40kg (88lbs) of cocaine evidence that was later discovered to have been largely replaced with flour, prompting a police investigation and fierce public criticism. The drugs, seized in 2019 in a case involving Joshua Rahman and stored in the court vault from March 2021, were valued at about 30 million FJ$ (~$13.3m). Forensic tests on remaining exhibits returned negative, and six judiciary employees are now persons of interest. Officials say they are reviewing security protocols and other court exhibits, including seized cash.
Nearly 40kg Of Court Cocaine Swapped For Flour In Fiji — Six Court Staff Are Persons Of Interest
The High Court in Suva, Fiji. - mtcurado/iStockphoto/Getty Images
Nearly 40 kilograms (about 88 pounds) of cocaine held as evidence at the Suva High Court in Fiji were stolen and largely replaced with flour, authorities say — an incident that has ignited public outrage and raised serious questions about court security.
The cache, valued at roughly 30 million Fijian dollars (about $13.3 million), was originally seized in 2019 in a case involving Fiji-Canadian national Joshua Rahman, who was later convicted of unlawful possession. The exhibits were stored in the High Court vault from March 2021 while appeals were pursued.
During an inspection on September 15, officials reported seven of 39 cocaine bars were missing. A subsequent inquiry found that every remaining package in the vault had been tampered with and that forensic testing of the substitute material returned negative for cocaine.
Investigation and Persons of Interest
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said investigators have identified six persons of interest — all employees of the judiciary department who would have had access to the vault — and that one is currently abroad. He emphasized the probe is focused on those directly charged with managing evidence at the High Court Registry.
"Forensic tests conducted on the remaining drug exhibits have all returned negative," police said in a statement. The force has launched a full review of other exhibits in court custody, including seized cash.
Political Reaction and Security Review
Opposition MP Jone Usamate told Parliament the swap of cocaine for flour was "a sad indictment" on whoever was responsible and questioned public confidence in any exhibit held by the court. Justice Minister Siromi Turaga described the development as shocking and said officials are moving to strengthen security and review High Court protocols.
Commissioner Tudravu acknowledged earlier concerns after a separate March discovery that 12 kilograms of seized cocaine had gone missing and said investigators are working urgently to determine how both incidents occurred and whether stronger safeguards would have prevented them.
Wider Context
Fiji has increasingly been used as a transit point for narcotics moving from the Americas to markets in Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia. Large quantities of methamphetamine smuggled onto the islands have contributed to an addiction crisis that officials say is linked to a rise in HIV cases; Fiji has declared HIV a national emergency.
Authorities say they will "leave no stone unturned" and that anyone found guilty of involvement in the theft or cover-up will be held accountable as the investigation continues.
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