The Supreme Court has set a hearing date on the 6th of August for drug accused Joshua Rahman as legal proceedings continue following a Court of Appeal ruling that quashed his conviction and sentence.

Rahman, a Canadian national, appeared before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe in the Suva High Court this morning.

The court was informed that the State has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court after the Court of Appeal overturned Rahman’s conviction and 23-year prison sentence for possession of 39.5 kilograms of cocaine.

The Court of Appeal had ordered that a retrial be held as soon as possible. However, Justice Rajasinghe indicated that the Supreme Court proceedings would affect how the High Court matter proceeds.

Justice Rajasinghe also requested a report from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions confirming whether Rahman had complied with his bail conditions.

Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Meli Vosawale told the court that Rahman had been diligently reporting to the nearest police station as required.

Vosawale also informed the court that the State would consider amendments to the information depending on the outcome of the Supreme Court appeal.

Rahman was originally charged after police allegedly found 39.5 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $31 million, in Caubati in February 2019. He was found guilty and sentenced to 23 years imprisonment on October 12, 2021.

The matter has been adjourned to the 7th of September.