One of the 9 convicted drug accused in the $2 billion methamphetamine trial who also gave evidence for the prosecution, Cathy Tuirabe has said she was wrapping packages in a house in Nadi that contained both kava and methamphetamine, and pasting labels titled 'Kadavu Kava' on packages in December 2023.
While giving evidence in court, Tuirabe said that they wrapped two balls of ten packets and took them to Transit Hotel.
She said when her friend would say his boss was coming to the Nadi house, she was advised to keep away from there.
Tuirabe said she knew one of the accused, Jale Aukerea was the boss at Kava Kings where her friend was working.
She said she also helped stick the labels on methamphetamine parcels in another house in Legalega.
She was being paid $100 to $300 a night for her service.
Tuirabe confirmed when the police came to raid the corrugated iron house at Legalega, she was still there.
She escaped through the back door.
Under cross-examination, Tuirabe agreed that she pleaded guilty to the charge to ask the Court for leniency for a lesser sentence.
She said her lawyer had explained to her that the minimum sentence is 20 years imprisonment.
When asked by the Court, she confirmed that she pleaded guilty because she felt she was guilty. She agreed that at the time the plea was taken, she received no assurance from Court that she would get a lenient sentence.
The 9 accused persons charged in relation to the 4.1 plus tonnes of methamphetamine bust in Nadi have been found guilty by the Lautoka High Court, and their sentence hearing will take place on Friday.
Justin Ho, David Heritage, Louie Logaivau, Jale Aukerea, Sakiusa Tuva, Ratu Aporosa Davelevu, Ratu Osea Levula, Cathy Tuirabe and Viliame Colawaliku were charged with the importation and possession of 4.1 plus tonnes of methamphetamine between November 2023 and January 2024 in Nadi.
