Full Breakdown
Fiji Courtroom Cocaine Heist: Flour Substitutes Evidence
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Evidence Theft and Substitution
During a routine inspection on September 15, officials at the Suva High Court discovered that seven of the 39 cocaine bars stored as evidence were missing. Forensic testing of the remaining parcels returned negative for illicit drugs, indicating the cocaine had been replaced with flour. The seized cocaine, linked to a 2019 case against Fiji-Canadian national Joshua Aziz Rahman, was valued at roughly 30 million Fijian dollars (? US $13 million). Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu confirmed the exhibits were tampered with and that a person of interest overseas will be questioned.
Background & Context – Fiji’s Drug Trafficking Challenge
Fiji is a trans-Pacific transit point for narcotics bound for Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Since 2018, seizures of methamphetamine and cocaine have risen, contributing to a national HIV emergency declared in 2024. The Rahman case has remained in court custody pending appeal.
Data & Statistics
- Missing cocaine: About 40 kg across the Rahman exhibit.
- Value: Reported as 30 million FJD (? US $13 million).
- Previous incident: Disappearance of 12 kg of confiscated cocaine from a separate case.
- Security failures: CCTV in the exhibit room was non-functional; biometric logs showed irregularities during the theft period.
Official Statements & Responses
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said the cocaine was placed in the High Court vault on March 25 2021, but the theft timing is unclear. He announced a dedicated investigation team involving the Major Crime Unit, Digital Forensic Unit, Anti-Money Laundering Unit and Proceeds of Crime Division. Justice Minister Siromi Turaga expressed disappointment and shock, pledging upgraded security protocols and an audit of all drug and cash exhibits.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Valuation: Estimates range from FJD 30 million to “more than $10 million” and up to $15 million.
- Responsibility: Police emphasize judicial custodial role, while some officials point to police oversight failures.
- Security system: Reports note faulty CCTV and biometric systems, but the extent and intent of the malfunctions remain unverified.
- Additional missing cocaine: Separate reporting cites an extra 12.9 kg from a 2018 raid on Australian horse trainer John Nikolic’s yacht, raising questions about evidence-room security across cases.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The exhibits were all tampered with and the investigation is focused on those directly charged with the management of the exhibits at the High Court Registry.” — Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu
- “Fiji police is taking seriously the concerns raised by the government. And I give my assurance we are tackling this investigation with utmost urgency,” — Rusiate Tudravu
What’s Next
Commissioner Tudravu announced an audit team will inspect all police stations for drug and cash exhibits, while the judiciary has upgraded the exhibit room with new CCTV and grille bars. The investigation continues, with the overseas person of interest slated for questioning. Justice Minister Turaga said the priority is to restore public confidence and ensure responsible parties face the full force of the law.
