14 January, 2026, 11:33 pm Central - 25°C Clouds

Sentencing for 2 involved in $23 million cocaine bust in Vuda

Sentencing for 2 involved in $23 million cocaine bust in Vuda

By Vijay Narayan
31/07/2023
Australian national Joseph Abourizk and former taxi driver Josese Muriwaqa

Australian national, Joseph Abourizk and former taxi driver, Josese Muriwaqa who were arrested and charged in Lautoka in July 2015 for being found in possession of approximately 50 kilograms of cocaine, will be sentenced by the Lautoka High Court today.

Both were found guilty and convicted in June this year.

Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo had ordered the re-trial in the drug case earlier this year.

Abourizk and Muriwaqa were found in possession of 50 kilograms of cocaine worth $23 million in Vuda in July 2015.

Their 2016 conviction was quashed by the Supreme Court in April last year.

The DPP’s Office had appealed the case.

Justice Aluthge will sentence the two men today.

FEATURE NEWS
Tuiketei stresses Miss Fiji Pageant does not tolerate bullying
Miss Pacific Islands Pageant Director, Ana Tuiketei has stressed this afternoon that the Miss Fiji Pageant does not tolerate bullying.Tuiketei stated ...
6 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Sawani to Colo-i-Suva Water Project to commissioned in February next year - Soderberg
The Sawani to Colo-i-Suva Water Project is expected to be commissioned by February next year.This was highlighted by the Water Authority of Fiji CEO ...
6 hours ago

Search continues for two men swept away by strong currents
The search continues for a 50-year-old man and a 65-year-old man who were swept away by strong river currents in separate incidents on Monday ...
6 hours ago

New vehicle to strengthen Fiji Cancer Society’s community outreach
Kontiki Finance has continued its long-standing partnership with the Fiji Cancer Society by donating a fully maintained vehicle to support the ...
8 hours ago

FDB workshop calls for inclusive climate-resilient solutions
Expanding access to climate-resilient services for rural and hard-to-reach communities was a key focus of discussions at the FDB Climate Resilient ...
9 hours ago

Alleged ATM card thief granted bail
Niraj Prasad, who allegedly stole an ATM card earlier this month, has been granted bail by the Suva Magistrates Court. Prasad is charged with one ...
10 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Electricity tariff increase for users consuming more than 100 units
There is an increase in the electricity tariff rate for consumers using more than 100 units from 1 January next year.Fijian Competition and Consumer ...
12 days ago

Fiji needs to act on human trafficking indicators associated with Grace Road Group
The United States remains deeply concerned about indicators of trans-national organised crime and human trafficking in Fiji associated with the Grace ...
23 days ago

Cheap seed oils are not good for our health - O'Neill
With over 80 percent of deaths in Fiji caused by cardiovascular disease based on the 2011 report, naturopath and nutritionist Barbara O’Neill is ...
23 days ago

TOP