The High Court in Lautoka has approved bail for Justin Ho, Louie Logaivau, and Jale Aukerea, who, along with seven others, have been charged with allegedly importing and possessing 4.5 tonnes of methamphetamine from November 2023 to January of this year. While Aukerea and Logaivau have been released, Ho remains in custody due to his inability to pay the required bail bond.
The three individuals also face charges related to possessing property suspected of being obtained through criminal activity. Justice Aruna Aluthge noted that three months have passed since the last bail decision. Despite efforts by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to expedite the trial process, the court has yet to set a trial date due to pre-trial complexities, particularly regarding alternative drug analysis.
Justice Aluthge emphasized that this case will be prioritized, with a trial expected to be scheduled within the first quarter of 2025. He also mentioned that the investigation has concluded, allowing for strict bail conditions to mitigate witness tampering risks and ensure the accused individuals appear in court.
Aukerea and Logaivau were required to provide two sureties each and pay a bail bond of $10,000, while Ho was mandated to pay $15,000. All three must report to the Lautoka Police Station and are prohibited from leaving Lautoka. Additionally, a stop departure order has been issued for the trio.
This development reflects the judicial system’s commitment to balancing the rights of the accused with the need for public safety and the integrity of the legal process. The prioritization of this case for trial also suggests that the court is working diligently to address and resolve complex drug-related offenses promptly.
In summary, the court has taken steps to ensure that trial procedures will move forward, emphasizing the importance of a timely and fair judicial process. This is a hopeful sign that justice will be served efficiently in a case demanding considerable attention.
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