The High Court in Suva has granted a Restraining Order application concerning two properties linked to the 4.1 tonne of drug case which is currently on trial in the High Court in Lautoka.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions filed the application in the High Court in its civil jurisdiction pursuant to section 19 (A-C), 34 and 35 of the Proceeds of Crimes Act 1997.
“The application pertains to a land comprising an area of 1293 square meters, a property and land comprising of 1157 square meters, in Denarau, Nadi, identified during a financial investigation as properties used to store 4.1 tonne of drugs,” the office of the DPP said in a release.
“The properties are worth $8.8 million and is linked to one of the accused person, Justin Ho who is currently on trial facing several drug related charges.
“The ODPP in its application is also seeking a final order for these two properties to be forfeited to the State pursuant to section 19 (c- e) of the Proceeds of Crimes Act 1997.”
The Restraining Order granted by the High Court, ODPP said would ensure the assets remained preserved pending the determination of the forfeiture application.
“In another matter, the ODPP has filed a civil forfeiture application in relation to another drug[1]related offending with properties suspected to be proceeds of crime.
“This matter is fixed for hearing on 30 September, 2025.
“The ODPP is realigning its strategic focus to intensify efforts towards the identification and seizure of assets suspected to be linked to criminal activities, particularly drug related offending.
The ODPP added that it is determined to disrupt and dismantle criminal enterprises by targeting the financial incentives derived from illegal means.
