Lautoka High Court has handed Justin Ho a life sentence with a 30-year non-parole period after finding him the mastermind behind a sprawling, transnational drug operation that imported and possessed more than four tonnes of methamphetamine into Fiji between late 2023 and early 2024.
Before the sentencing, Ho had asked the court to arrest judgment, arguing that certain evidence should not have been admitted and that the case could suffer a miscarriage of justice. Justice Aruna Aluthge dismissed the application, saying he was not in a position to hear it and suggesting the matter could be brought in the Civil High Court. The judge also noted Ho’s pattern of attempts to delay the trial.
Ho and eight co-accused—David Heritage, Louie Logaivau, Jale Aukerea, Sakiusa Tuva, Ratu Aporosa Davelevu, Ratu Osea Levula, Cathy Tuirabe, and Vilimae Colawaliku—were charged with the importation and possession of more than 4.1 tonnes of methamphetamine, linked to an operation that spanned several sites in the Nadi region from November 2023 to January 2024. Ho, along with Logaivau and Aukerea, also faced charges of possessing property believed to be proceeds of crime. All defendants were found guilty on their respective charges last month.
The sentencing comes amid a series of high-stakes legal maneuvers in the same case, including recusal challenges and bail disputes. Earlier proceedings saw the defense press for recusal and complain of bail conditions, while the prosecution highlighted the scale and reach of the operation and the seriousness of the charges. The court’s handling of these motions—alongside the trial itself—has drawn significant public attention in Fiji’s ongoing fight against large-scale drug trafficking.
Details of the other eight defendants’ sentences show a range of heavy terms, reflecting the court’s view of their roles in the operation. Heritage received a 55-year sentence with a 25-year non-parole period; Aukerea was given 50 years with a 25-year non-parole period; Logaivau and Tuva each drew 25 years with an 18-year non-parole period; Levula received 17 years with a 13-year non-parole period; Tuirabe and Colawaliku each got 15 years with a 12-year non-parole period; Davelevu was sentenced to 14 years with a 12-year non-parole period. All eight sentences sit with substantial non-parole periods, underscoring the judiciary’s hard line against large-scale, transnational drug trafficking.
This case has been described by prosecutors as a landmark in Fiji’s anti-drug campaign, highlighting overseas links and the use of sophisticated networks to move and distribute methamphetamine. The sentences reinforce the message that those who mastermind or profit from such operations face serious, long-term consequences.
What this means going forward
– The court’s decisions reflect a broader commitment to public safety and deterrence against transnational drug networks.
– The defense and prosecution may pursue further legal avenues, including potential appeals or challenges related to procedural rulings and bail conditions.
– Readers can expect continued coverage of related rulings for the remaining co-defendants and any subsequent developments in this case.
Non-parole periods explained in brief: In Fiji, a non-parole period is the minimum time a convict must serve before becoming eligible for parole. Even with a non-parole term served, parole decisions depend on the assessment of conduct and safety considerations by the parole board.
Summary: The Lautoka High Court’s ruling signals Fiji’s resolve to disrupt large-scale drug trafficking and deter future transnational networks. With Ho’s life sentence and the substantial terms for the others, the case underscores the seriousness with which authorities treat such offenses and their impact on community safety.
Positive note: Despite the gravity of the crime, the verdict demonstrates a strong commitment by Fiji’s judiciary and law enforcement to uphold justice, safeguard the public, and deter similar schemes in the future.
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