Ringleader of Fiji’s biggest drug trafficking operation gets life sentence

Justin Ho and eight others were found guilty of trafficking more than 4.1 tonnes of meth. Photo / 123rf

By RNZ

The ringleader of Fiji’s largest methamphetamine trafficking operation was sentenced to life imprisonment today.

In a landmark ruling, Justice Aruna Aluthge said Justin Ho’s sentence included a non-parole period of 30 years.

Ho and eight others were found guilty on charges relating to a 4.1-tonne-plus drug haul after a record bust by police last year.

Ho’s co-accused were also handed substantial prison terms and varying non-parole periods in the High Court at Lautoka on Thursday.

They were David Heritage, Louie Logaivau, Jale Aukerea, Sakiusa Tuva, Ratu Aporosa Davelevu, Ratu Osea Levula, Cathy Tuirabe and Viliame Colawaliku.

The amount of methamphetamine seized was valued at an estimated FJ$2 billion ($1.5b). Photo / Fiji Police

All nine were charged with the importation and possession of 4.1-plus tonnes of methamphetamine between November 2023 and January 2024 in Nadi.

Additionally, Ho, Logaivau and Aukerea were charged with having property suspected of being from the proceeds of a crime.

The office of the director of public prosecutions in Suva acknowledged the hard work of the Fiji police force team involved in the investigation.

In a brief statement, the office said the team was instrumental in stopping the largest drug trade in the Pacific and securing evidence that led to a successful prosecution.

– RNZ