The forensic analysis conducted on the 2,630 seized parcels of cocaine have all tested positive for the drug, weighing 2.64 tonnes, with an estimated street value of AUD$780 million. Photo: Fiji Police Facebook
A senior Fijian government MP, whose son-in-law is facing charges along with several others for importing more than 2.6 tonnes of cocaine has, told local media "no one else in our household is a person of interest" in the police investigation.
Last Thursday, Fiji Police revealed it had arrested and charged four Ecuadorian nationals and two locals in connection with a major drug trafficking operation from South America to Fiji. The seizure has an estimated street value of FJ$1.2 billion (approx. US$550m).
Police said five others remained in custody suspected of "facilitating the illegal importation [of] illicit drugs". The drug raid was conducted in Vatia wharf, which is approximately 90 minutes from the Nadi International Airport.
Later that day, Fiji Sun posted a 45-second video clip showing police presence at a suburb 10 minutes from Suva CBD. This sent Fijian social media into overdrive, with users speculating that a member of parliament was involved.
On Sunday, police confirmed that a search was conducted on the residence of an MP on Thursday night and a suspect related to a family member was earlier arrested at a different location.
On Monday, authorities confirmed that five people would appear at the Ba Magistrate Court following the investigation into the Vatia drug seizure.
It was subsequently confirmed that well-known fitness instructor, Jonathan Hill, was among those charged with conspiracy to import illicit drugs when he appeared at the court. He held a sign saying: "I'm sorry Mama and Jhaday. I [heart symbol] U."
Hill is the son-in-law of deputy speaker and assistant foreign minister Lenora Qereqeretabua.
In a statement to The Fiji Times, Qereqeretabua said Hill is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
"Our family home in Samabula was searched by the police in connection with investigations into my son-in-law, Jonathan Hill," she was quoted as saying by the newspaper.
"We cooperated with the police, who carried out their duties professionally. Nonetheless, this was a deeply unsettling experience for our family," she said, adding that nothing was found at the residence.
"My understanding is that no one else in our household is a person of interest in this investigation."
Police confirmed that no drugs were found at the MP's home and noted the shipment was "destined for one of our neighbouring countries, by way of a semi-submersible vessel".
