Court Orders Destruction of $2 Billion Illicit Drugs in Fiji

The High Court in Lautoka, presided over by Justice Aruna Aluthge, has authorized the destruction of a remaining batch of illicit methamphetamine, part of a significant police exhibit. This decision was made following an application from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which sought permission to dispose of the drugs under Section 30 (3) of the Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004.

The case is linked to Justin Ho and nine others, who are facing charges for importing over 4.2 tons of methamphetamine into Fiji, valued at approximately $2 billion, last December.

In his ruling, Judge Aluthge outlined specific protocols and measures to ensure a safe and transparent destruction process:

1. A police officer of no lower rank than Assistant Superintendent, designated by the Commissioner of Police, will be responsible for the destruction of the drugs, which can occur through incineration or other safe methods.
2. Prior to the destruction, the Court and all parties involved will receive a two-week notice regarding the time, place, and method of disposal.
3. Under security protocols, legal representatives of the respondents will be allowed to observe the destruction.
4. The entire process will be documented through photographs and, if possible, video recordings.
5. To ensure oversight, the ODPP may request that the Resident Magistrate in the area where the destruction takes place be present during the process.
6. Following the destruction, the police officer handling the disposal will prepare a report, co-signed by two witnesses, confirming the completion of the ordered disposal.
7. This report must be submitted to the Court within two weeks after the destruction.

This ruling marks a significant step in the legal proceedings against those accused of large-scale drug trafficking and emphasizes the necessity for transparency and accountability in handling such serious offenses.

Overall, the decision reinforces the commitment of the Fijian judicial system to combat drug-related crimes while ensuring meticulous oversight of the judicial process.