State has this morning asked the High Court to hand down a sentence of 50 years for Justin Ho, David Heritage and Jale Aukerea for their part in the importation of the 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine into Fiji.
State counsels John Rabuku and Joeli Nasa made their submission to Justice Aruna Aluthge.
The State submits that an objective assessment of the offending would place the starting point of sentence for Justin, David and Jale at the high point of the tariff,” said Mr Rabuku and Mr Nasa.
“The maximum sentence for these offending is life imprisonment. Under category 5 of the Tarriff the sentence sits at the minimum of 20 years to life imprisonment.”
“The life expectancy of a Fijian male currently sits between 65 to 66 years.”
“It is therefore submitted that the starting point of sentence for Justin, David and Jale would most probably sit within the vicinity of 50 years.”
The State has submitted for Loiue Logaivau and Sakiusa Tuva the starting point of their sentence may sit within 30 to 35 years being the middle level players.
For Aporosa Davelevu, Osea Levula, Cathy Tuirabe and Viliame Colowaliku, the State has submitted that the starting point may sit at the lowest end of the tariff preferably 25 years.
“My Lord the State re-emphasises that the final sentence on each accused person of course rests within your ultimate discretion.”
Justice Aluthge will pass the sentencing on Wednesday next week.