In a historic judgement for Fiji, Lautoka High Court Judge Justice Aruna Aluthge today delivered sentencing in the country’s largest drug case involving the importation of 4.1 tonnes of methamphetamine, where all nine convicted individuals received jail sentences.
Justin Ho has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a non parole period of 30 years, David Heritage has been sentenced to 55 years with a non parole period of 25 years and Jale Aukerea has been sentenced to 50 years with a non parole period of 25 years.
Louie Logaivau has been sentenced to 25 years and a non parole period of 18 years and Sakiusa Tuva has been sentenced to 25 years with a non parole period of 18 years.
Ratu Aporosa Davelevu has been sentenced to 18 years with a non parole period of 12 years, Cathy Tuirabe has been sentenced to 15 years and a non parole period of 14 years, Ratu Osea Levula has been sentenced to 17 years and a non parole period of 13 years while Viliame Colawaliku has been sentenced to 15 years and a non parole period of 12 years.
While delivering the sentence, Justice Aluthge said this case is not just a run-of-the-mill matter, as it involves more than 4.1 tonnes of methamphetamine, making it a difficult task to sentence all nine accused.
Justice Aluthge says this is the largest drug bust in the Pacific.
He says Justin Ho is the mastermind of the drug operation in Fiji, took instructions from Australian drug king pin, Sam Amine.
Justice Aluthge says Ho organised and directed the movement of drugs in Fiji.
He says he doesn't see any mitigation factor as his siblings can take care of his sickly father.
He says Heritage played a leading role but not to the extent of Ho and he was also cooperative.
Justice Aluthge says Heritage is a first offender.
He says the illicit drug trade has badly affected Fiji’s national security and has had significant health impacts, including deaths.
Justice Aluthge stressed that authorities need to come down hard on drug peddlers to show that Fiji will never tolerate such offences.
He also highlighted that methamphetamine use has contributed to the spread of HIV through injecting.
Justice Aluthge further says that if the consignment had not been intercepted, it would have been sold by mixing it with other substances to increase profits.
All nine have been convicted of the importation and possession of 4.1 tonnes of methamphetamine, worth $2 billion, between November 2023 and January 2024 in Nadi.
Deputy DPP John Rabuku earlier urged Justice Aluthge to impose a sentence of 50 years for Justin Ho, David Heritage and Jale Aukerea.
They had also asked for 30-year sentences for Sakiusa Tuva and Louie Logaivau, and 20 to 25 years for Aporosa Davelevu, Ratu Osea Levula, Cathy Tuirabe and Viliame Colawailiku.
