Umarji Aiyaz Mohammed Musa, a convicted businessman and former sports leader, has returned to Fiji amid ongoing legal challenges. After serving a reduced prison sentence in New Zealand for drug importation, Musa continues to face active investigations by Fijian authorities for serious crimes.
Musa was sentenced to four years in prison in August 2023 for smuggling $5 million worth of pseudoephedrine, a precursor in methamphetamine production, from Fiji to New Zealand. The substance was connected to Musa, who owned over ten pharmacies across the Pacific region. His sentence was shortened by six months after an appeal, leading to his return to Fiji last Wednesday.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Mesake Waqa has confirmed that investigations into Musa’s activities are still ongoing. These inquiries are primarily focused on organized crime, drug trafficking, money laundering, and the misappropriation of funds, led by the Criminal Investigations Department and the Serious Organised Crime Unit based on reports from the Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit.
“There are still active investigations into these matters, and we are pursuing them with due diligence,” stated ACP Waqa.
Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing crime, asserting that “no one is above the law.” He acknowledged Musa’s return to Fiji but refrained from providing additional information, citing the sensitivity of the case.
“We remain resolute in our fight against narcotics and organised crime,” said Mr. Tikoduadua, stressing that law enforcement will ensure due process in all investigations to mitigate the risks posed by illegal activities.
Musa, previously a prominent figure in the Fiji Football Association, had established a high-profile business portfolio that included pharmacies, restaurants, and real estate ventures. His recent arrest and subsequent conviction have raised significant concerns, leading to a tarnishing of his previously celebrated reputation in both the sports and pharmaceutical sectors.