Convicted businessman and former sports leader Umarji Aiyaz Mohammed Musa has returned to Fiji, but his legal challenges are not over. After serving a reduced prison sentence in New Zealand for drug importation, Musa is now under investigation by Fijian authorities for serious offenses.
Musa, a notable figure in the sports and business communities, was sentenced to four years in prison in August 2023 for smuggling $5 million worth of pseudoephedrine from Fiji to New Zealand. This substance is a crucial ingredient in the manufacturing of methamphetamine and was linked to Musa, who operated over ten pharmacies across the Pacific.
Following an appeal, he received a six-month sentence reduction and returned to Fiji last Wednesday. Assistant Police Commissioner Mesake Waqa confirmed that investigations are still active, focusing on organized crime, drug trafficking, money laundering, and misappropriation of funds. The Criminal Investigations Department and Serious Organised Crime Unit are leading the investigation, which is 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,” ACP Waqa stated. Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua emphasized the government’s commitment to combating crime, asserting that “no one is above the law.” He acknowledged Musa’s return but did not provide further information due to the ongoing investigation’s sensitive nature.
“We remain resolute in our fight against narcotics and organized crime,” Mr. Tikoduadua added. “Law enforcement will ensure due process is followed in every investigation to protect our communities from the harm caused by illicit activities.” Musa, formerly a vice-president of the Fiji Football Association and a prominent businessman with ventures in pharmacies, restaurants, and real estate, has left a tarnished legacy following his arrest and conviction, which shocked the nation and affected both the sporting and pharmaceutical sectors.