About 40 kilograms (88 pounds) of cocaine held as evidence at Fiji’s High Court in Suva has been declared missing with local media reporting that the drugs were swapped out for flour.

The case involved a Fiji-Canadian national, Joshua Rahma, from whom cocaine worth 30 million Fijian dollars was seized in 2019.

According to official records, he was convicted of unlawful possession.

“Forensic tests conducted on the remaining drug exhibits have all returned negative,” police said in a statement on Tuesday. 

“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.”

According to police commissioner, Rusiate Tudravu, on Wednesday, the cocaine was placed in the High Court vault in March 2021. Though it’s not clear when the theft happened. 

“The replacement of the cocaine with flour, whatever it is, that is a sad indictment of … whoever is responsible,” said opposition politician Jone Usamate, speaking in Parliament. 

“How do you know now that what is in all those exhibits is really what is claimed to be in the exhibits?”

Justice Minister Siromi Turaga expressed disappointment and shock over the incident, saying authorities were working to strengthen security and review existing security protocols at the High Court.

Mr Turaga said the disappearance of the cocaine came at a time when the country was talking about transnational crime.

He added, “It goes to show the magnitude of the problem we are facing. No one is immune from this. No stone will be unturned. Anyone found guilty will be made accountable.”