Convicted businessman and former sports leader Umarji Aiyaz Mohammed Musa has returned to Fiji, but he continues to face significant legal issues. After serving a shortened prison term in New Zealand for drug importation, Musa is now under active investigation by Fijian authorities for numerous serious offenses.
Musa, who has been a notable figure in both sports and business, was sentenced to four years in prison in August 2023 after being found guilty of smuggling $5 million worth of pseudoephedrine from Fiji into New Zealand. This substance is a crucial ingredient in methamphetamine production and was linked to Musa, who operated over ten pharmacies across the Pacific.
After successfully appealing for a six-month reduction of his sentence, Musa returned to Fiji last Wednesday. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mesake Waqa confirmed that investigations into Musa are still ongoing, concentrating on 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 intelligence from the Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit. ACP Waqa emphasized that these investigations are proceeding with diligence.
Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, reiterated the Government’s strong stance against crime, affirming that “no one is above the law.” While he acknowledged Musa’s return, he refrained from providing additional details due to the sensitivity of the ongoing inquiry.
“We remain resolute in our fight against narcotics and organized crime,” Tikoduadua stated, adding that law enforcement will ensure that due process is followed to protect communities from the dangers posed by illicit activities.
Musa, who formerly served as the vice-president of the Fiji Football Association, was a well-known businessman involved in various sectors, including pharmacies, restaurants, and real estate. His arrest and conviction have caused considerable upheaval in Fiji, damaging the reputation of a figure once celebrated in both the sports and pharmaceutical domains.