Key Witness Denies Drug, Russian Links

State prosecution witness in the Nadi drug trial yesterday was a man whom drug accused Justin Ho claims has been threatening him and his family.

The witness has been named by several immunity witnesses as allegedly being involved in the drug shipment, as well as the transportation of drugs from Truemart at Denarau backroad to Legalega in Nadi

During cross-examination, the witness denied all claims and allegations made against him.

He was also questioned by the defence lawyer about a police officer at the Totogo Police Station in Suva, who was allegedly providing him with information about police raids and roadblocks around the country — an allegation he also denied.

The witness further denied having any association with a Russian national or any known drug associates.

He admitted only to a previous charge of fraud or identity theft, in which he used his father’s name to open a bank account at Bred Bank. He told the court that he had used his father’s name to open the account so he could deposit money in preparation for a planned trip to Australia.

Accused six to take stand

Six men charged with the importation and possession of 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine will take the witness stand on Monday.

Yesterday marked the end of the fourth week of the drug bust trial before Justice Aruna Aluthge at the Lautoka High Court. The accused are Justin Ho, David Heritage, Frank Logaivau, Aporosa Davelevu, Jale Aukerea, and Ratu Osea Levula.

Davelevu’s defence lawyer is expected to file her application for her client’s witnesses next week.

The seventh accused, Viliame Colowaliku, has filed an application through his lawyer for a no-case-to-answer ruling.

When asked if he had been deported from Australia, he denied it, stating that his visa had been cancelled after he was charged with dangerous driving.

The State prosecution closed its case yesterday, and the defence is expected to begin presenting its witnesses next week.

Justice Aruna Aluthge has urged the prosecution, defence counsel, and the accused to be fully prepared when the trial resumes.

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