The Suva High Court has granted a Restraining Order application concerning two properties that are linked to the 4.1-tonne methamphetamine case.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions filed its application in the High Court in its civil jurisdiction pursuant to sections 19 (A-C), 34 and 35 of the Proceeds of Crimes Act 1997.
The ODPP says the application pertains to a land comprising an area of 1,293 square metres, a property and land comprising 1,157 square metres in Denarau, Nadi, identified during a financial investigation as properties used to store 4.1 tonnes of drugs.
They say the properties are worth $8.8 million and are linked to one of the accused persons, Justin Ho, who is currently on trial facing several drug-related charges.
The ODPP, in its application, is also seeking a final order for these two properties to be forfeited to the State pursuant to section 19 (c- e) of the Proceeds of Crimes Act 1997.
The Restraining Order granted by the High Court ensures the assets remain preserved pending the determination of the forfeiture application.
In another matter, the ODPP has filed a civil forfeiture application in relation to another drug-related offence with properties suspected to be proceeds of crime.
This matter is fixed for hearing on 30th September 2025.
The ODPP is realigning its strategic focus to intensify efforts towards the identification and seizure of assets suspected to be linked to criminal activities, particularly drug-related offending, and in doing so, the ODPP is determined to disrupt and dismantle criminal enterprises by targeting the financial incentives derived from illegal means.
Meanwhile, during the trial at the Lautoka High Court, the state witness identified Aporosa Davetalevu as the driver who moved the drugs from Denarau to the Motorex Warehouse along the Nadi Back Road.
The witness said that Aporosa Davelevu was the truck driver.
The case continues in the Lautoka High Court.
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