Security tight in drug trial

TIGHT police security was provided for 13 individuals produced in the Nadi Magistrate’s Court yesterday to answer to drug-related charges.

Following extensive raids and investigations, police laid illegal importation, being in possessions and transportation of drugs charges against the 11 males and their two female counterparts.

The 13 are charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs.

Of the 13 accused persons, Justin Ho and David Otto Heritage are charged with unlawful importation of illicit drugs.

They are alleged to have facilitated the importation and were found in possession of 4.8 tonnes of methamphetamines, an illicit drug.

Additionally, three of the 13 accused persons — Justin Ho, Louie Frank Penijamini Logaivau and Jale Aukerea — are charged with possession of property suspected of being proceeds of crime.

It is alleged the three accused persons were found in possession of cash (local and overseas currency) suspected of being proceeds of crime on January 23 at Taveuni, in the Northern Division, possessed cash amounting to $2,100.85 suspected of being proceeds of crime.

Mr Heritage and Mr Logaivau were also found in possession of 4.8 tonnes of methamphetamine at Nadi’s Fantasy Island on December 23 and face joint charges of being in unlawful possession of illicit drugs.

The charges stated that 4.8 tonnes of methamphetamine were also discovered on Denarau on December 23 last year.

The 13 accused have been released on strict bail conditions and will reappear at the High Court in Lautoka on Friday.