Fiji prosecutors seek 50-year sentences for ringleaders in major meth import case

Prosecutors in Fiji have requested a judge to impose a 50-year sentence on the ringleaders of a group responsible for importing more than four tonnes of methamphetamine into the country.

Justin Ho, David Heritage, and Jale Aukerea were among nine people found guilty last month of the import and possession of the drug.

During a hearing at the Suva High Court on Friday, State counsels John Rabuku and Joeli Nasa presented their submission to Justice Aruna Aluthge, seeking 50 years for the trio for their roles in the importation and trafficking of 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine between late 2023 and early 2024.

The trio, along with Louie Logaivau, Ratu Aporosa Davelevu, Sakiusa Tuva, Jale Aukerea, Ratu Osea Levula, and Keanie McPherson, were found guilty for their involvement in importing and possessing the meth between November 2023 and January 2024 in the tourist town of Nadi.

Court documents reveal that Rabuku and Nasa's submission included an objective assessment of the offences and recommended that the sentencing process for Ho, Heritage, and Aukerea start at the maximum penalty.

“The maximum sentence for these offences is life imprisonment," the State submission reveals.

Nine people have been found guilty for importing and possessing methamphetamine in Fiji. Photo/Fiji Police

"Under category five of the Tariff, the sentence ranges from a 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 also suggested that for Logaivau and Tuva, the starting point for their sentences may fall between 30 and 35 years, as they were considered middle-level players in the illegal operation.

Watch as the group of convicted drug traffickers arrive at the Suva High Court on Friday.

For Davelevu, Levula, Tuirabe, and Colowaliku, the State proposed that their starting point should be at the lowest end of the tariff, which is 25 years.

Justice Aluthge is expected to deliver the sentences next week.