High Court Orders Dramatic Destruction of $2 Billion Methamphetamine Cache

A High Court judge in Lautoka, Justice Aruna Aluthge, has authorized the destruction of a significant batch of illicit methamphetamine that had been held as evidence. The approval came following an application from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which sought permission for the disposal of these drugs in accordance with Section 30 (3) of the Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004.

This ruling pertains to a case involving Justin Ho and nine others, who are facing charges for importing over 4.2 tons of methamphetamine into Fiji, with an estimated street value of $2 billion, last December.

In his ruling, Justice Aluthge outlined several key points regarding the destruction process:

1. A police officer at least at the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police, designated by the Commissioner of Police, will oversee the disposal of the drugs through incineration or other secure methods.
2. The court, along with all respondents, will receive a two-week notice before the disposal, detailing the date, location, and method of destruction.
3. Legal representatives for the respondents may be granted permission to observe the destruction process, subject to security protocols.
4. The destruction will be documented through photographs and ideally also through video recording.
5. To maintain transparency, the ODPP has the option to request that the local Resident Magistrate observe the destruction.
6. The officer responsible for the disposal must prepare a report, co-signed by two witnesses, confirming that the drugs were destroyed per the order received.
7. This report or certificate must be submitted to the court within two weeks following the destruction.

This ruling not only addresses a pressing legal matter but also marks a significant step in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking in Fiji. The controlled approach towards the destruction reinforces the commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the judicial process.

Overall, this responsible handling of illicit substances serves as an encouraging sign of judicial diligence in combating drug-related crime, aiming to restore order and safety to the community.