Ho and others used some businesses as a front but they were in the meth trade - Judge

It has been revealed that the one of the masterminds in the $2 billion drug operation in Nadi, Justin Ho was arrested in Cobia, a no-man's land, after he had gone missing from Nadi shortly after the drug bust, and Lautoka High Court Judge Justice Aruna Aluthge says the suspicion of the Police was well-founded that the $21,691.60 cash found on Ho was proceeds of crime based on information available to them that was never discredited.

Justice Aluthge says no plausible explanation was given for Ho’s presence on Cobia island off Vanua Levu and for carrying a large sum of money with him.

He says it was risky for Justin Ho to take such a large sum of money without depositing it in the bank, especially when he had a bank access card in his bag.

The judge says although it was suggested that the money came from Justin Ho's legitimate business, that suggestion was not supported by evidence to indicate that the money was obtained directly or indirectly from a legitimate enterprise.

During the search, Justin Ho remained silent while the Police officer was counting the money.

Justice Aluthge says Ho had plenty of opportunities to disclose the source of the money if it was legitimate.

In his caution statement, Justin Ho claimed that the money was given to him by Norman Fisher.

Norman Fisher, under oath, denied that claim. Justice Aluthge highlighted that co-accused in the case, Louie Logaivou and LV confirmed that the Subzero Car Wash was shut down when the water blasters were broken in early December 2023.

The café was closed when Justin Ho's business partners withdrew.

According to co-accused, David Heritage's caution statement, the car wash was kept closed most of the time.

The barber shop was not performing well.

The judge said it was said that the $30,000 cash that was given to David Heritage had been received by Australian businessman, Sam Amine.

The judge said Justin Ho was spending generously on drinking, golfing, and clubbing as a 'funny' man.

He said other evidence revealed that Justin Ho conducted only cash transactions outside the banking system.

Justice Aluthge confirmed Ho did not have funds in his bank account when the Court required him to show money for his bail bond.

It was said in court that Ho invited the then Cabinet Minister, Faiyaz Koya to open his barbershop, from which even Louie Logaivou believed that Justin Ho was a genuine businessman.

Justice Aluthge said the only conclusion that can be drawn from these facts is that Justin Ho was operating those businesses as a 'front' to disguise the illicit origins of the money, making it appear as if the funds came from legitimate business activities.

No evidence was produced to show that Justin Ho had no reasonable grounds for suspecting that the money referred to in the charge was derived or realised, directly or indirectly, from any unlawful activity.

The charge of possession of proceeds of crime has been established.

Co-accused, Jale Aukerea was arrested in the same circumstances as Justin Ho in Cobia Island.

He does not deny that $2000 odd money was seized from him.

Aukerea said under oath that he was running three businesses, making a profit of $3000 a week.

He said that the money he had in his possession was to buy kava in Taveuni to be sold at his Kava Kings outlet.

In his caution statement, Aukerea had not told the police that he owned three businesses, and that the money was from his kava business.

The judge established that Aukerea's evidence is not credible.

He said there is ample evidence to suggest that Aukerea operated the kava bar as a front to sell methamphetamine in the local market.