Umarji Aiyaz Mohammed Musa, a convicted businessman and former sports leader, has returned to Fiji, but his legal challenges are not yet resolved. After serving part of his prison sentence in New Zealand for drug importation, Musa is now under investigation by Fijian authorities for several serious crimes.
In August 2023, Musa was sentenced to four years in prison for smuggling $5 million worth of pseudoephedrine from Fiji to New Zealand. This substance is a precursor for methamphetamine production and was linked to Musa, who managed more than ten pharmacies across the region. He received a six-month sentence reduction following an appeal and landed back in Fiji last Wednesday.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Mesake Waqa confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with a focus 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 information 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.
Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua emphasized the government’s strong position against crime, asserting that “no one is above the law.” He acknowledged Musa’s return but refrained from providing more details due to the sensitive nature of the investigation.
“We remain resolute in our fight against narcotics and organized crime,” Mr. Tikoduadua declared. “Law enforcement will ensure due process in every investigation to protect our communities from the harm caused by illicit activities.”
Musa, who previously held the position of vice-president of the Fiji Football Association, was a renowned businessman with diverse interests in pharmacies, restaurants, and real estate. His arrest and subsequent conviction have caused significant fallout in Fiji, damaging the reputation of an individual once admired in both the sporting and pharmaceutical fields.