Two convicts linked to the discovery of the country’s largest volume of cocaine, walked out of the High Court in Lautoka yesterday relieved with the sentence meted out to them.
Two convicts linked to the discovery of the country’s largest volume of cocaine, walked out of the High Court in Lautoka yesterday relieved with the sentence meted out to them.
Josese Muriwaqa and Joseph Abourisk were given a 10-year non parole sentence from the previous conviction of 25 years.
Sentencing
During the sentencing at the retrial, Muriwaqa’s time behind bars was reduced by two years to 15 years, while Abourizk was sentenced to 16 years – the result of an appeal that led to a retrial.
The duo spent the past eight years behind bars, while they appealed an earlier sentence.
Muriwaqa was the driver of the vehicle that authorities found cocaine in at Vuda in 2015. Australian, Abourisk, was also in the picture at the time of the discovery.
High Court Judge Justice Aruna Aluthge said the illegal drugs were imported to Fiji in transit for another country.
He said Muriwaqa’s involvement as a driver during the lead up to his arrest, was indicative of a planned and sophisticated operation.
As they were sentenced, Abourizk was seen shaking his head in disagreement, as he muttered something to Muriwaqa – as they sat in the dock.
Abourizk looked relieved as he walked out of the court room.
He was advised by the Court to seek an appeal if he wished.
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