Justin Ho, one of the persons charged in relation to the recent $2 billion methamphetamine busts, is the same person who had his case in court discontinued in 2020 after the cocaine seized in that case went missing from Namaka Police Station.
In that case, it was alleged that former Fiji Airways Flight Attendant Fredrick Epeli and Justin Ho on 23rd December 2018, without lawful authority, attempted to export 2015.7 grams of cocaine to Sydney, Australia.
Following the disappearance of the cocaine, the two men were acquitted of their charges as the DPP had to file a discontinuance in court. Two police officers were suspended pending the outcome of the investigation into the missing cocaine from the police station.
Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro has confirmed that Ho and Epeli have been recharged and produced for the 2018 charges.
We have also asked what has happened in relation to the Police investigation into the missing cocaine from Namaka Police Station.
Thirteen people charged in relation to the seizure of more than four tonnes of methamphetamine in Nadi, have been bailed by Magistrate Jioji Boseiwaqa, and they will appear in the Lautoka High Court this Friday.
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. They allegedly facilitated the importation of 4,800 kilograms of methamphetamine.
David Heritage and Louie Frank Penijamini Logaivau are charged with unlawful possession Of illicit drugs 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, It is alleged he is engaged in dealing for the transfer and transport of 4,800 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Justin Ho and Louie Logaivau are also charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs 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 he 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 drugs 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.
Justin Ho is also charged with possession Of property suspected of being proceeds of crime on 23rd January 2024 in Taveuni, possessed cash amounting to FJ$21,691.60, AUD$450.00 and USD$100.00 suspected of being proceeds of crime.
Louie Logaivau is also charged with possession of property suspected of being proceeds of crime on the 23rd of January 2024 in Taveuni. He allegedly possessed cash amounting to FJD$112.25 suspected of being proceeds of crime.
Jale Aukerea is charged with possession of property suspected of being proceeds of crime on the 23rd of January 2024 in Taveuni. He allegedly possessed cash amounting to FJD$2,100.85 suspected of being proceeds of crime.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Mesake 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.
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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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 are appearing 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 adds through the support of their foreign partners, they are confident of disrupting drug syndicates and reiterate that no one is above the law.
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