Convicted businessman and former sports leader Umarji Aiyaz Mohammed Musa has returned to Fiji, but he continues to face significant legal challenges. After serving a reduced prison sentence in New Zealand for drug importation, Musa is currently under investigation by Fijian authorities for multiple serious offences.
In August 2023, Musa was sentenced to four years in prison for smuggling $5 million worth of pseudoephedrine from Fiji to New Zealand. Pseudoephedrine is a key ingredient in the manufacturing of methamphetamine and was linked to Musa, who operated over ten pharmacies in the Pacific region. His sentence was shortened by six months upon appeal, allowing him to return to Fiji last Wednesday.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Mesake Waqa confirmed that the investigation remains active, targeting organized crime, drug trafficking, money laundering, and the misappropriation of funds. The inquiry is being spearheaded by the Criminal Investigations Department and the Serious Organised Crime Unit, following tips 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.
Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Pio Tikoduadua emphasized the government’s strong commitment to tackling crime, asserting that “no one is above the law.” While acknowledging Musa’s return, he refrained from providing additional information due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation.
“We remain resolute in our fight against narcotics and organized crime,” Mr. Tikoduadua said, promising that law enforcement would ensure due process in all investigations to safeguard communities from the dangers of illicit activities.
Musa, who previously served as vice-president of the Fiji Football Association, was a notable businessman with ventures in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, restaurants, and real estate. His arrest and subsequent conviction shocked Fiji, damaging the reputation of a figure once revered in both the sporting and pharmaceutical communities.