The Lautoka High Court has sentenced David Heritage to 55 years in jail, with a non-parole period of 25 years.
He was found guilty of unlawful importation and possession of illicit drugs in connection with the largest methamphetamine bust in Fiji’s history.
Heritage, who owns a marine repair business, was identified by the prosecution as a “ringleader” and a key accomplice in the operation.
Evidence presented in court revealed that he was instrumental in the logistical aspects of the drug shipment.
He was found to have worked with Justin Ho and an Australian drug syndicate, Sam Amine, to facilitate the transfer of the 4.15-tonne consignment from a superyacht to a barge and then to a mainland storage location.
During the trial, Heritage claimed he was forced into the operation, alleging that a Russian national, introduced to him by Justin Ho, threatened him and his family at gunpoint.
However, this claim was challenged by the State prosecutor, who argued that Heritage was motivated by money, citing his admission that he was promised a payment of $2 million for his services.