Convicted businessman and former sports leader Umarji Aiyaz Mohammed Musa has returned to Fiji, but he faces ongoing legal challenges. After completing a shortened prison term in New Zealand for drug importation, Musa is still under investigation by Fijian authorities for serious crimes.
Musa, who played significant roles in the sports and business sectors, was sentenced to four years in prison in August 2023 for smuggling pseudoephedrine worth $5 million from Fiji to New Zealand. This substance is a crucial component for methamphetamine production and was traced back to him, as he oversaw over ten pharmacies across the Pacific region.
His sentence was reduced by six months on appeal, leading to his return to Fiji last Wednesday. Assistant Commissioner of Police Mesake Waqa confirmed that investigations are ongoing, targeting organized crime, drug trafficking, money laundering, and fund misappropriation. The inquiry is being led by the Criminal Investigations Department and the Serious Organised Crime Unit, following reports from the Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit.
“The investigations into these matters are active, and we are taking them seriously,” ACP Waqa stated. Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, emphasized the Government’s commitment to combating crime, asserting that “no one is above the law.” While he acknowledged Musa’s return, he refrained from sharing further specifics due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation.
“We are determined to fight against narcotics and organized crime,” Mr. Tikoduadua remarked, adding that law enforcement will ensure due process is maintained throughout the investigations to safeguard the community from the damage caused by illicit activities.
Musa, formerly a vice president of the Fiji Football Association, was a notable businessman with ventures in pharmacies, restaurants, and real estate. His arrest and conviction have shocked the nation, tarnishing the reputation of an individual once celebrated in both the sporting and pharmaceutical arenas.