THE High Court in Lautoka yesterday heard the State’s opening address in the trial involving the alleged importation and possession of 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine.
The case involves eight accused: Justin Ho, David Heritage, Louie Logaivau, Ratu Aporosa Davelevu, Sakiusa Tuva, Jale Aukerea, Ratu Osea Levula, and Keanie McPherson. They are charged over the alleged importation and handling of the meth consignment between November 2023 and January 2024 in Legalega, Nadi.
Mr Ho, Mr Logaivau and Mr Aukerea are also charged with possessing property suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Acting deputy director for Public Prosecutions John Rabuku told the court that the State’s priority was to ensure justice was served.
“The State’s primary objective is to ensure that these accused persons and others that seek to perpetuate this despicable trade meet the ends of justice,” Mr Rabuku said.
He said the State would prove the accused knowingly possessed the drugs.
“There could be no mistake and no doubt that each accused person knew the consignment contained methamphetamine and that despite that knowledge they unlawfully possessed it.”
Tuva and Tuirabe have pleaded guilty and remain in remand.
The amended information includes one count of unlawful importation and eight counts of unlawful possession of illicit drugs. It also lists three counts of possession of suspected proceeds of crime, referring to property seized from Ho, Logaivau, and Aukerea.
The State alleges that Ho and Heritage orchestrated the shipment into Fiji, coordinated its arrival at Fantasy Island, and knew of its illegal contents.
Mr Rabuku detailed the drugs’ storage and movement: Ho, Heritage, and Logaivau allegedly stored the drugs at business locations on Industrial Road, Denarau. Due to limited space, part of the consignment was moved to Ho’s warehouse, where it stayed until December 28, 2023.
On that day, Ho allegedly arranged for a three-tonne truck to move the shipment to Motorex, Nadi Back Rd. Davelevu drove the truck, guided by Logaivau in a rental vehicle.
The State said both men were aware of the cargo and controlled the shipment at Motorex.
The following day, the truck was moved to a tin house in Voivoi Settlement, Legalega. Tuva and others allegedly offloaded the containers there.
Between December 29, 2023, and January 14, 2024, Tuva, Levula, Colawailiku, and Tuirabe reportedly guarded, stacked, and repacked the meth. Aukerea allegedly gave regular instructions on its movement and repacking.
On January 14, police raided the Voivoi house and discovered 797 containers of methamphetamine.
A day earlier, some of the drugs were moved to a house in Maqalevu, Denarau, rented by Aukerea. A second raid, based on Tuva’s information, led to further seizures at that property.
The court was told that on January 23, Ho, Logaivau, and Aukerea attempted to flee Fiji. They were intercepted at Cobia Island in Taveuni and taken back to Nadi Police Station.
At the time of arrest, Ho was found with $F21,691.60, $A450 ($F659), and $US100 ($F224). Logaivau had $F112.25, and Aukerea had $F2100.85.
Mr Rabuku said the State would rely on caution interviews, direct and circumstantial evidence, analyst reports, CCTV footage, photographic evidence, and testimony from immunity witnesses and potential accomplices.
The trial continues tomorrow.
