DISGRACED former national squash player Justin Ho was slapped with a life sentence for organising and directing a drug operation that ruined the lives of young people.
“You are the leader,” High Court judge Justice Aruna Aluthge said while sentencing Ho, who he labelled the mastermind in an operation that had substantial links to an international cartel.
Handing Ho and his co-conspirators prison terms of between life and 14 years, he said Ho ran his criminal activities — moving drugs into Fiji — without any thought to the risks involved.
“You maintained substantial links to the foreign drug cartel and with greater influence on others in the chain.
“You received funds and expected profits from the business, and you spent lavishly and paid the workers a modest payment, highly misappropriated to the risk they took and the profit you expected.”
Justice Aluthge also highlighted how Ho had squandered a promising sports career.
“You were Fiji’s number one squash player for under-9, under-12 and under-17 categories and was named Fiji’s number one squash player,” Justice Aluthge said.
“It is unfortunate that you decided to ruin, not only your bright career, but also that of the youths who worked for you.
“Your status as a sports celebrity is not going to help you in any way as the business you ventured into helped destroy the potential of Fiji’s entire young generation.
“Having considered all these factors, I have decided to impose life imprisonment for you.”
He said it was proven that Ho took instructions and funds from Australian-based drug kingpin Sam Amir and managed the drug operations from his warehouse through Denarau.
“In mitigation, it was submitted that you are young, 34 years old and looking after your sickly father.
“You have two brothers and a stepsister, they can take care of your father in your absence.”
The sentences of the other accused persons:
- David Heritage – 55 years in jail, with a non-parole period of 25 years;
- Louie Logaivau – 25 years with a non-parole period of 18 years;
- Aporosa Davelevu – 14 years with a non-parole period of 12 years;
- Sakiusa Tuva – 25 years with a non-parole period of 18 years;
- Jale Aukerea – 50 years with a non-parole period of 25 years;
- Ratu Osea Levula – 17 years with a non-parole period of 13 years;
- Cathy Tuirabe – 15 years with a non-parole of 12 years; and,
- Viliame Colowaliku – 15 years with a non-parole period of 12 years.