Fiji police have confirmed that nearly 40 kilograms of cocaine stored in a High Court exhibit room were found to have been replaced with flour.<\/p>\n
The 39 cocaine bars, worth millions of dollars in street value, were stored in the Suva High Court exhibit room.<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, Fiji Police launched an investigation after seven out of the 39 cocaine bars went missing.<\/p>\n
In a statement on Tuesday, Fiji Police confirmed that “forensic tests” on the remaining drug exhibits had all returned negative.<\/p>\n
“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,” the statement said.<\/p>\n
The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including Opportunity’s challenge to National, and a big milestone for the world’s tallest bridge. (Source: 1News)<\/p>\n
Police also confirmed that one person of interest allegedly involved in the incident is currently out of the country and will be questioned.<\/p>\n
Fiji’s Justice Minister Siromi Turaga described the disappearance of the drugs is “shocking”.<\/p>\n
“No stone will be left unturned. Anyone found guilty will be held accountable,” he told parliament on Tuesday afternoon.<\/p>\n
Turaga asked the public to “trust the process” allow the police to lead the investigation.<\/p>\n
Opposition MP Jone Usamate said “the replacement of the cocaine with flour” was a “sad indictment”.<\/p>\n
“How do we know now that what is in all those exhibits [held at the Suva High Court] is actually there?”<\/p>\n