Two men each charged with the cultivation of illicit drugs have been denied bail pending trial by the Suva High Court.

25-year-old Amani Masikerei and 23-year-old Samuela Natokalau are alleged to have cultivated more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana in Kadavu on the 18th of January this year.

They have both pleaded not guilty to the offense.

While delivering the bail ruling, Justice Goundar said the gravity of the allegation is serious and the offense was committed in the full view of the Police.

He said it is not in the interest of justice that they be released on bail.

They have been remanded in custody.