4 Plead Guilty in Nadi Meth Case
These nine accused were represented by Iqbal Khan, Mark Anthony, Mosese Naivalu, Edwin Wainiqolo, Timoci Varinava, Litiana Volau and Payal Reddy, Benita Kumari and Vaulina Cava.
Wednesday 04 June 2025 | 14:06
Updated 08 August 2025 | 15:38 FJT
Accused Justin Ho and Viliame Colowaliku escorted by police officers to the High Court in Lautoka for trial on June 3, 2025. Photo: Mereleki Nai
David Heritage, Sakiusa Tuva, Ratu Osea Levula and Cathy Bainisavu pleaded guilty before Justice Aruna Aluthge yesterday.
The four accused with five others including Justin Ho, Frank Logaivau, Aporosa Davelevu, Jale Aukerea and Viliame Colowaliku appeared at the High Court in Lautoka for a drug trial.
They are facing charges for the importation and possession of 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine.
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These nine accused were represented by Iqbal Khan, Mark Anthony, Mosese Naivalu, Edwin Wainiqolo, Timoci Varinava, Litiana Volau and Payal Reddy, Benita Kumari and Vaulina Cava.
These are lawyers from the Iqbal Khan and Associates, Millbrook Hills Law Partners, MIQ Law, S.Nand Lawyers and Legal Aid.
State prosecution
The State prosecution is represented by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) lawyers, John Rabuku and Joeli Nasa.
During the trial yesterday, the deputy DPP Rabuku apologised to the court for some new developments he received in the morning.
He said that only Bainisavu wanted to plead guilty to a summary of facts on Monday.
“But, last night we were told that Ratu Osea, the seventh accused, is willing to plead guilty also. We also received defence counsel indicating that Sakiusa will plead guilty.
“This is kind of like rock the boat of the prosecutor because we are ready with our opening address that includes most of them except for Cathy. But now we have to include them.”
Justice Aluthge asked Mr Rabuku whether the four accused persons who pleaded guilty would still be called to the witness stand as state witnesses. Mr Rabuku confirmed that they would.
The judge asked the four accused if anyone had influenced them to plead guilty, in which they responded that it was out of their own free will.
Mr Rabuku said he had to make a fresh statement and organise witnesses.
Accused, Davelevu, failed to appear in court on Monday, and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. Yesterday, his lawyer, Ms Cava, submitted a medical certificate to the court, stating that her client was unable to walk properly due to a leg injury.
The court agreed to move the trial to next week, but a short mention will be called this Friday.
Feedback: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj
