The involvement of foreign mafia was disclosed in yesterday’s court proceedings of individuals on trial in connection with the 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine discovered at Legalega in Nadi.
On trial are Justin Ho, David Heritage, Louie Logaivau, Ratu Aporosa Davelevu, Sakiusa Tuva, Jale Aukerea, Ratu Osea Levula, and Kathy Tuirabe.
Mr Heritage, Ms Tuirabe, Mr Levula and Mr Tuva pleaded guilty on June 3.
In the High Court in Lautoka, defence lawyer Litiana Volau asked Inspector Simione Ravouvou, the commanding officer of the drug bust, if there was an involvement of foreign mafia here in Fiji.
Inspector Ravouvou replied: “Yes.”
Ms Volau again asked Mr Ravouvou: “And with relation to this case that is before this court, is there involvement of the Russian mafia as well as the Australian one?”
Inspector Ravouvou confirmed: “Yes.”
Ms Volau: “Would you agree that the police force itself does not have any safety measures or protection in place to have those who become informants or those who assist the police with relation to any drug cases here in Fiji?”
Inspector Ravouvou replied: “Yes.”
Ms Volau asked the inspector if a person were to report about any drug matter, especially meth, cocaine and hard drugs here, “there is no security, no protection in place by the police force itself to ensure that these people are protected. Isn’t it?”
Inspector Ravouvou replied: “Yes.”
“Because at the end of the day it all comes to funding?” Ms Volau said.
“There are no funds available to accommodate that. Correct?
The inspector replied: “Yes”.
Drug raid breached at Legalega
Defence lawyer Mosese Naivalu had asked Inspector Ravouvou if there was a breach in the drug raid at Legalega in Nadi, according to the evidence presented in court.
“This court has heard that after a search, they secured the place and then the Crime Scene Investigators (CSI) came in and then there was a seizure,” Mr Naivalu said.
“Search, secure and then a seizure.
“It is also in evidence that the Triple S (search, secure, seizure) did not happen.
“What happened? Was a search, secure, and before CSI entered, they took the drugs to Namaka Police Station.
“Are you aware of this?
Inspector Ravouvou replied: “Yes.”
Mr Naivalu then asked him if police officers from Nausori had conducted the raid, to which Inspector Ravouvou replied with a “Yes”.
Mr Naivalu asked the inspector if he was not aware of Nausori police officers doing the raid because he had not been appointed then to be the lead officer in the drug operation.
Inspector Ravouvou replied: “Yes”.
Mr Naivalu then asked if this was the trust issue he had referred to — that he did not trust some divisions within the police?
Inspector Ravouvou replied: “No.”
Mr Naivalu asked the senior police officer if he still trusted the Nausori police officers who allegedly did not follow the search, secure and seizure procedure. Inspector Ravouvou, replied: “Yes.”
Mr Naivalu asked Inspector Ravouvou: “You don’t mind that the Nausori police are breaching that search, secure and seizure, you still trust them?
Inspector Ravouvou replied: “Yes.”
Key player in the drug bust
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku asked Inspector Ravouvou on the issue of a person of interest in this drug bust.
Mr Rabuku: “It was asked of you in cross examination that there was no proper investigation done to this person.”
He responded by saying ‘no’, and that a proper investigation was done.
Mr Rabuku asked for clarity: “Can you clarify that there were any drugs seized from this person?”
Inspector replied: “No.”
Mr Rabuku: “Did the investigation ever reveal that he came into contact with the methamphetamine that is a subject of this prosecution?”
Inspector Ravouvou: “No.”
Mr Rabuku: “You were also asked questions about the Russians and the Mexicans. Was there any investigation done in respect of these foreigners?”
Inspector Ravouvou: “Only the Russians.”
Mr Rabuku: “Were you able to trace or arrest any Russians?”
Mr Ravouvou: “No.”
Mr Rabuku: “Now the accused persons who are on this prosecution today, for clarification purposes, the investigation reveals they came into contact with the drugs at some point and that is why they are on these charges?”
Mr Ravouvou: “Yes.”
When asked if the person of interest did not come into contact with the drugs, the inspector responded with a “Yes”.
The State concluded its cross examination of Inspector Ravouvou yesterday.
Next witness
Meanwhile, two key witnesses are expected to be taking the stand today before the prosecution closes its case.
Mr Rabuku said they would issue a summon for the Denarau worker to appear in court.
The other witness is the person of interest who the defence will also cross examine when he takes the stand.
The trial continues today.
