Lautoka High Court sentenced 21-year-old Louie Logaivau to 25 years imprisonment with an 18-year non-parole period for his significant role in Fiji’s largest-ever methamphetamine trafficking operation.
Justice Aruna Aluthge told Mr Logaivau he was “trusted right-hand man of Justin Ho and a step below the leader.”
“You also played a ‘significant role’ in the operation. You are the trusted right-hand man of Justin Ho and a step below the leader in culpability,” said the judge.
“You played a mid-range significant role doing a managerial level function to transfer, process (loading/unloading, unpacking, stock taking) and to store the drugs under the direction of Justin Ho.”
The judge noted that Logaivau “closely supervised and directed Lepani and Ratu Aporosa with some awareness and understanding of the scale of the operation.”
The court set a starting point of 25 years imprisonment.
“Given the absence of any genuine operational autonomy or managerial functions and the limited nature of the financial gains compared to the expected overall profitability of the operation, I would adopt a starting point for you from the bottom range of the tariff.”
“You bore disproportionate risk when compared to the reward. You had received only $500.00 apart from the other facilities provided by Justin Ho. It seemed that your participation in the offence was rather driven by loyalty towards the boss than profit.”
The judge noted aggravating factors as Mr Logaivau’s failure to report the illegal activities and his attempt to evade justice.
“It is aggravating that you failed in your civic duty to report the illegal activities to the police. When the police raids were conducted, you fled to Cobia Island with Justin Ho and Jale Aukerea and attempted to flee Fiji to avoid the course of justice.”
The mitigating factors included Mr Logaivau’s youth, lack of prior convictions, and nearly 12 months in remand.
“You are 21 years of age, single and a father of one child from your previous relationship. After graduating from Natabua High, you worked in a Bible school before joining Justin Ho’s car wash business in 2022, believing that he is a genuine businessman.”
“Even after realising that Justin Ho’s business was not legitimate, you willingly participated in his illegal activities while totally depending on him for your livelihood.”
After deducting 3 years for mitigating factors, the final sentence was set at 25 years.
On the non-parole period, Justice Aluthge considered Mr Logaivau’s potential for reform.
“You are young and have a greater rehabilitation potential. To balance your rehabilitation with other sentencing purposes, especially deterrence, I impose a non-parole period of 18 years.”