The State Counsel has urged Lautoka High Court Judge, Justice Aruna Aluthge to impose a sentence of 50 years for Justin Ho, David Heritage and Jale Aukerea in the $2 billion methamphetamine bust case.
They have 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.
During the sentencing submissions, the State Counsel told the court that while the large volume of drugs called for strong punishment, individual sentences should reflect each person’s level of involvement.
The court heard that Justin Ho played a central role in orchestrating the trafficking operation, with evidence linking him to international criminal networks, including the Russian mafia and ISIS-linked cartels.
The prosecutors say the convictions were a “resounding confirmation” of Fiji’s commitment to dismantling transnational criminal groups targeting the country, adding that methamphetamine poses a serious threat to the safety and well-being of Fijians.
The defence counsel told the court they only received some documents, including material subject to name suppression, on Tuesday, after repeated requests since last Friday.
They still require 112 more pages of documents, which the judge noted could be a significant issue.
The 9 people who have been convicted by Justice Aluthge, will be sentenced on Wednesday.
