Thirty-two kilograms of cocaine linked to the long-running trial of Fiji-Canadian Joshua Aziz Rahman was replaced, while a further 7kg was already missing.

Police said “forensic tests” of the drugs returned negative results.

“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,” the force said.

“A person of interest allegedly involved in the incident is currently overseas and will be questioned.”

Aziz Rahman, convicted in 2021, was jailed for 23 years before his conviction was reinstated after an appeal.