Umarji Aiyaz Mohammed Musa, a convicted businessman and former sports executive, has returned to Fiji, but he is not out of legal trouble. After serving a reduced prison term in New Zealand for drug smuggling, he now faces ongoing investigations in Fiji for serious criminal offenses.
Musa, who was actively involved in both sports and business, received a four-year prison sentence in August 2023 for trafficking $5 million worth of pseudoephedrine from Fiji to New Zealand. This substance is known to be a primary ingredient in methamphetamine production. Musa was linked to the case, as he oversaw more than ten pharmacies across the Pacific.
After appealing his sentence, he had six months deducted and made his way back to Fiji last Wednesday. Assistant Commissioner of Police Mesake Waqa confirmed that investigations are continuing, targeting organized crime, drug trafficking, money laundering, and misappropriation of funds.
Waqa mentioned that the Criminal Investigations Department and the Serious Organised Crime Unit are leading the investigation, which is based on findings from the Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit. “There are still active investigations into these matters, and we are pursuing them with due diligence,” Waqa stated.
Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Pio Tikoduadua emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to combating crime, insisting that “no one is above the law.” He acknowledged Musa’s return to the country but refrained from providing additional details due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigations.
Tikoduadua reaffirmed, “We remain resolute in our fight against narcotics and organised crime,” adding that law enforcement will maintain due process in all investigations to safeguard communities from the dangers of illegal activities.
Musa, formerly a vice-president of the Fiji Football Association, was a well-known businessman with diverse interests, including pharmacies, restaurants, and real estate ventures. His arrest and conviction have shaken Fiji, detracting from the reputation of someone who was once admired in the sporting and pharmaceutical sectors.