Punja pleads not guilty to cocaine, meth and marijuana possession charges

Punja pleads not guilty to cocaine, meth and marijuana possession charges

By Karishma Kumari
05/06/2024
Thakor Punja.

A man who was allegedly found with cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana in his home and car in Lami last month has pleaded not guilty to the charges laid against him.

Thakor Punja, who is the son of a prominent businessman is charged with one count each of unlawful possession of 0.84 grams of methamphetamine, 5.447 grams of cocaine and 6.6 grams of marijuana.

Punja appeared before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad this morning.

Punja’s lawyer, Iqbal Khan informed the court that while in custody, there is an alleged confession regarding the alleged possession of marijuana while he has not confessed to possessing cocaine and methamphetamine.

Court-cases-5th-June-2

                                                                         Thakor Punja with lawyer Iqbal Khan

Magistrate Prasad told Khan to file for a voir dire which is a preliminary examination of the witnesses.

Khan requested the court for the name of every police officer involved in the arrest, raid and escort.

He requested that they, including the supervisor of the search team and the dog handler be produced in court to give statements as well.

The case has been adjourned to the 19th of July.

FEATURE NEWS
State trying to make out of court settlement deal with Malimali, about $2 million on the table for discussions
There are clear indications today after the application for leave for a judicial review by former FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali that the State ...
8 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Agriculture Ministry to focus on increasing kava, turmeric and dalo exports
The Ministry of Agriculture is working to boost export earnings by increasing production of key commodities such as kava, turmeric, taro, ginger, ...
6 hours ago

This is a lollipop budget - Bala
This is not a people's budget, this is a lollipop budget—a sweetener served just in time for election year. This has been shared by Oppostion ...
6 hours ago

Bia cheekily tells Seruiratu to provide alternative budget
While supporting the 2025/2026 National Budget Assistant Minister for Information, Aliki Bia responded to Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu by ...
7 hours ago

Bridging the divide: building Pacific agency in the AI era
Artificial intelligence (AI) promises to be a powerful catalyst of social and economic development for Pacific Island countries. It has the potential ...
7 hours ago

Seruiratu says 40,000 Fijians left between 2022-2023, worsening skills shortage
Over 40,000 people leaving our shores between 2022 and 2023 has placed immense pressure on Fiji’s workforce. While opposing the 2025/2026 ...
8 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Professor Prasad on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show will focus on the 2025/2026 National Budget.
6 days ago

Tui Nayau and Tui Lau Installation
The ceremony for the installation of the Tui Nayau Sau ni Vanua o Lau will be held tomorrow, while the installation ceremony of the Tui Lau will be held in Tubou on Thursday.
8 days ago

CFL 40th Birthday
CFL’s 40th Anniversary celebrations to culminate with free concert at Albert Park on ...
10 days ago

TOP