Drug Cartel Threat

A senior police officer has confirmed that foreign criminal syndicates, including the Russian Mafia and groups linked to Australia, are operating in Fiji-yet the Fiji Police Force has no system in place to protect informants who assist in drug investigations.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Simione Ravouvou made the admission yesterday at the High Court in Lautoka, during the on- going trial of nine people charged over the seizure of 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine in Nadi.

Under cross-examination by a defence lawyer, ASP Ravouvou acknowledged that there is no formal protection or safety plan for state witnesses or informants who cooperate with police in drug-related cases. He also admitted that the force does not have enough funding to provide witness protection.

The defence further suggested that foreign mafia networks were involved in the Nadi drug case.

ASP Ravouvou agreed, stating in court that both Russian mafia groups and individuals with Australian connections were linked to the case.

He was the ground commander during the drug bust on January 14, 2024, and was responsible for overseeing arrests, organising search warrants, and coordinating the investigation.

During the trial, lawyer Samuela Heritage questioned ASP Ravouvou about allegations that accused person Justin Ho had been threatened.

The officer confirmed that this was revealed during a police interview.

Mr Heritage also raised a claim from a family member of Ho, who had reported receiving threats and had approached ASP Ravouvou at the Lautoka Police Station.

The officer denied receiving any such report and rejected the lawyer’s suggestion that the matter had been ignored.

The trial, now in its fourth week, continues today, with a person of interest expected to take the stand before Justice Aruna Aluthge.

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