Convicted drug traffickers want return of seized property

Three men convicted in Fiji's largest-ever methamphetamine case have asked the High Court in Lautoka to verify items seized during the police investigation before they are returned to their families.

Louie Logaivau, Viliame Colawailiku and Sakiusa Tuva appeared before Justice Aruna Aluthge yesterday seeking the return of personal property, including vehicles, mobile phones and other items.

The three were among nine people charged in connection with the seizure of 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine at Legalega and Maqalevu in January 2024.

The other accused are Justin Ho, David Heritage, Ratu Aporosa Davelevu, Jale Aukerea, Ratu Osea Levula and Cathy Tuirabe.

The case involved the alleged importation of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of about $2 billion, making it the largest drug seizure in Fiji's history and the Pacific region.

State prosecutor John Vaurasi told the court that family members of the convicted men could collect the approved items from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Nadi.

However, the applicants asked that the items first be produced in court for verification, citing previous instances in which property had allegedly been misidentified.

Justice Aluthge directed the applicants to file an amended list of the items they were seeking to recover within three days.