Following the $2 billion meth bust in Nadi which is the biggest ever bust in Fiji, Police say investigations have uncovered the involvement of a foreign national tied to a known syndicate, whom they are pursuing with the help of Fiji’s international partners.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Mesake Waqa says 13 people appeared in court today and investigators are also working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions looking into the proceeds of crime.
He says investigations will also be pursuing information of the involvement of other locals as they cannot rule out the involvement of other persons of interest.
ACP Waqa says the Fiji Police Force acknowledges with sincere gratitude the sharing of information resulting in the quick arrest of three of the main accused persons in the Northern Division as they were allegedly trying to flee the country.
He says they also acknowledge those who voluntarily came forward with information of suspected illegal activities, resulting in other arrests.
ACP Waqa says Police will not be making further comments on the ongoing investigation until major developments are made.
He says the Fiji Police Force is committed to ensuring those involved in the illicit drug trade are brought to justice.
ACP Waqa adds through the support of their foreign partners, they are confident of disrupting drug syndicates and reiterate that no one is above the law.
Thirteen people charged in relation to the seizure of more than four tonnes of methamphetamine in Nadi are currently appearing in the Magistrates Court.
Justin Ho and David Heritage are charged with unlawful importation of illicit drugs between the 1st of November 2023 to the 23rd of December 2023, in Nadi, and without lawful authority, allegedly facilitated the importation of 4,800 kilograms of methamphetamine.
David Heritage and Louie Frank Penijamini Logaivau are charged with unlawful possession Of illicit drug on the 23rd of December 2023, at Fantasy Island, Nadi, without lawful authority. It is alleged that they were in possession of 4,800 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Louie Logaivau is also charged with unlawful possession of illicit drug on the 23rd of December, 2023, in Nadi, allegedly engaged in dealing for the transfer and transport of 4,800 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Justin Ho and Louie Logaivau are charged with unlawful possession of illicit Drug in Denarau, Nadi. It is alleged they were in possession of 4,800 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Louie Logaivau, Issac Lesiyanawai and Ratu Aporosa Davelevu are charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs between the 28th of December, 2023 and the 29th of December, 2023 in Nadi. It is alleged they engaged in the dealing for the transfer and transport of 4,800 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Louie Logaivau and Ratu Aporosa Davelevu are charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs on the 29th of December, 2023, at Motorex Yard, Nadi back road without lawful authority. It is alleged they were in possession of 4,800 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Sakiusa Tuva, Iosefo Roqica, Maika Yabakivou, Ratu Osea Levula, Cathy Tuirabe, Nancy Mateyawa and another are charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs between the 29th of December, 2023 to the 14th of January, 2024, in Nadi without lawful authority. It is alleged they were engaged in dealing for the transfer and transport of 4,800 kilograms of methamphetamine, from the Motorex yard to Legalega.
Jale Aukerea is charged with unlawful possession of illicit drug between 13th January 2024 to 20th January, 2024, in Nadi without lawful authority. It is alleged they engaged in dealing for the transfer and transport of 1,100 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Sakiusa Tuva And Keanie Lilo Mcpherson are charged with unlawful possession of illicit drug between 13th January 2024 to 20th January, 2024, in Nadi. It is alleged they engaged in dealing for the transfer and transport of 1,100 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Mesake Waqa says the accused persons face charges of unlawful importation of illicit drugs, unlawful possession of illicit drugs, possession of property suspected of being proceeds of crime, relating to the importation and transportation of the illicit substances with the estimated street value of more than $2 billion.
ACP Waqa says through joint efforts with the international law enforcement partners, the Australian Federal Police and the Pacific Transnational Crime and Coordination Centre, it has been confirmed that Fiji was being used as a transit point and that the methamphetamine was destined for a foreign market.
He says it is expected some of the spillover was for the local market.
ACP Waqa says they can also confirm that the illicit substances arrived in Fiji in late December, and the exchange of the shipment of methamphetamine is believed to be made outside of Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone, and the packages were delivered via a barge.
He says the investigation revealed that the accused persons in taking delivery of the illicit substances stored it at a private warehouse.
It is alleged that more than 3 tonnes were transported to Legalega and later more than 1 tonne to Maqalevu.
Those involved in the delivery and subsequent packing of the drugs have also been charged.
ACP Waqa says the investigations are not over, as they will be working closely with the foreign partners and expect to make more arrests.
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