Convicted businessman and former sports leader Umarji Aiyaz Mohammed Musa has returned to Fiji, but he continues to face legal issues. After serving a reduced prison term in New Zealand for drug importation, Musa is now under active investigation by Fijian authorities for serious crimes.
In August 2023, Musa was sentenced to four years in prison for smuggling $5 million worth of pseudoephedrine from Fiji to New Zealand. This compound is a crucial ingredient in the manufacture of methamphetamine, and was linked to Musa, who operated over ten pharmacies across the Pacific region. His prison sentence was shortened by six months following an appeal, allowing him to return to Fiji last Wednesday.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mesake Waqa confirmed that investigations are still ongoing, targeting organized crime, drug trafficking, money laundering, and fund misappropriation. The inquiry is being led by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Serious Organised Crime Unit, based on information from the Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit.
“There are still active investigations into these matters, and we are pursuing them with due diligence,” stated ACP Waqa. Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to tackling crime, stating, “no one is above the law.” While acknowledging Musa’s return, he refrained from divulging further details, citing the sensitive nature of the investigation.
“We remain resolute in our fight against narcotics and organised crime,” Mr. Tikoduadua emphasized. “Law enforcement will ensure that due process is followed in every investigation to protect our communities from the harm caused by illicit activities.”
Musa, who previously served as vice-president of the Fiji Football Association, was a well-known businessman involved in pharmacies, restaurants, and real estate. His arrest and subsequent conviction shocked the nation and damaged the reputation of someone once celebrated in both the sporting and pharmaceutical fields.