An Australian national, John Geoffery Nikolic, who was found guilty on charges of importation of illicit drugs and unlawful possession of arms and ammunition was sentenced to 23 years imprisonment by Justice Daniel Goundar at the Suva High Court this afternoon (08.03.19).

John Geoffery Nikolic was charged with 2 counts of importing illicit drugs and 1 count of possession of arms and ammunition without holding an arms licence.

He was found to have imported 12.9 kilograms of cocaine and 65 tablets of cocaine and methamphetamine and had in his possession two pistols and 112 rounds of ammunition without holding an arms licence.

John Geoffery Nikolic and his wife Yvette Nikolic were charged after drugs, cash, arms and ammunition were found on board their yacht ‘Shenanigans’ at Port Denarau Marina, Nadi on 22 June 2018. Yvette Nikolic was acquitted of all charges last month.

Justice Goundar sentenced John Geoffery Nikolic to 23 years for one count of importation of 12.9 kilograms of cocaine, 3 years for one count of importation of 65 tablets of cocaine and methamphetamine and 2 years for one count of possession of arms and ammunition without holding an arms licence. The sentences are to be served concurrently.

John Geoffery Nikolic has been sentenced to a total of 23 years imprisonment with a non parole period of 18 years.