The wife of Queensland horse racing figure John Nikolic is in custody in Fiji for her alleged involvement in importing drugs, a local newspaper has reported.
Yvette Nikolic was remanded by the Nadi Magistrate’s Court on Monday, according to The Fiji Times, after illegal drugs were allegedly found on a yacht believed to be hers, during a raid in Nadi on Friday.
She has reportedly been charged with one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs, one count of being found in possession of illicit drugs and one count of failure to declare firearms and ammunition.
Yvette Nikolic (pictured) was remanded by the Nadi Magistrate’s Court on Monday, according to The Fiji Times
The couple set sail aboard the yacht (pictured) for a trip of a lifetime, and it now appears that the Fijian destination is where at least one of them could live out their days
Mr Nikolic (right) is currently located in Lautoka hospital, only minutes up the road from where Mrs Nikolic (left) is being held in the $5 million remand centre
Fijian police have alleged she and another person imported 12.9 kilograms of cocaine and 34.4 grams of methamphetamine and cocaine tablets.
The cocaine, along with ammunition, were reportedly found during a search at Nadi’s Port Denarau Marina.
Nikolic is said to be one of four people initially taken into custody over the haul, three of whom have since been released.
The Fiji Times said defence lawyers for Nikolic on Monday asked Magistrate Siromi Turaga for more time to go through documents provided by the prosecution.
A request was also made for Nikolic to visit her husband, who was admitted to Lautoka Hospital in a critical condition after allegedly consuming an unknown substance during the raid.
The prosecution told the court the investigations into the case had been completed, the newspaper said
John Nikolic (pictured) allegedly swallowed a potentially deadly concoction of liquid cocaine and methamphetamine
That led to a defence request for Nikolic’s yacht, personal belongings and clothing to be returned to her.
The matter is due to be called in the Lautoka High Court on July 4.
John Nikolic allegedly ‘swallowed a potentially deadly concoction of liquid cocaine and methamphetamine’, the Herald Sun reported.
The reports claim that Mr Nikolic supposedly drank the cocktail after the couple’s yacht was raided in Port Denarau, with police allegedly seizing the drugs, along with cash, drugs and ammunition.
It is alleged that the cocktail he ingested was an attempt to self harm.
The reports claim that Mr Nikolic supposedly drank the cocktail after the couple’s yacht (pictured) was raided in Port Denarau, with police allegedly seizing the drugs, along with cash, drugs and ammunition
He is currently located in Lautoka hospital, only minutes up the road from where she is currently being held in the $5 million remand centre.
The hospital is frequently full to the brim with patients, either waiting to be seen by doctors or to simply pick up a prescription.
In contrast, the prison facility is brand new, spacious, and according to those who have seen inside the four walls, in excellent condition.
The hospital (pictured) is frequently full to the brim with patients, either waiting to be seen by doctors or to simply pick up a prescription
John Nikolic (pictured) was arrested after police allegedly seized drugs and guns on the couple’s boat in Fiji
The facility is divided into two sections, a remand centre and long-term prison.
Each area holds 24 women comfortably, in addition to staff.
‘He’s still very critical,’ a source said.
‘He has no family to be there by his bedside. He is by himself.’
The couple’s yacht, Shenanigans, is currently moored off Denarau Marina, where it is almost forgotten amongst the super yachts that regularly preside in the area.
Officials have again scoured the yacht for further incriminating evidence.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade conceded it was providing consular assistance to an Australian currently detained in Fiji.
This assistance could include such matters as helping find local lawyers, communicating with family and liaising with local authorities.
In the lead up to their voyage, the Nikolics (pictured) described themselves as ‘newbie’ sailors