Justin Ho, accused of drug offenses, has been denied bail and will remain at the Natabua Correctional Facility while awaiting his next court hearing. Ho appeared before Magistrate Mareta Tikoisuva at the Nadi Magistrate Court, where he faced a charge related to breaching his bail conditions. Specifically, he failed to stay within the Lautoka area, as mandated by a previous High Court order.
Ho is charged alongside twelve others for involvement in a significant drug bust in Nadi, with authorities seizing approximately 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine valued at $2 billion. His legal representation argued that he had been taken by individuals he believed were police officers, leading him to an interview and subsequently an alleged attempt to escape the jurisdiction on a yacht heading to New Zealand.
During the court proceedings, the state’s prosecutor, Zenith Zunaid, firmly opposed Ho’s bail application, citing the serious nature of the charges and evidence suggesting that he intended to flee. Zunaid noted that Ho had locked himself inside the yacht when police arrived to apprehend him. His defense lawyer, Shivneel Chandra, contended that there were no recorded witness statements from individuals present during the arrest on the yacht.
Magistrate Tikoisuva ultimately canceled Ho’s bail, with plans for a new bail application to be filed on June 26. This case continues to highlight ongoing issues related to drug trafficking in Fiji and efforts by law enforcement to clamp down on such activities.
The judiciary’s decisive actions reflect a commitment to justice and public safety, especially regarding serious offenses like drug trafficking. The situation serves as a reminder of the legal system’s role in maintaining order and accountability within the community. As these proceedings progress, there remains hope for a careful and fair judicial process.
Leave a comment