The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has successfully obtained both a Restraining Order and a Forfeiture Order concerning properties linked to significant drug-related activities. These legal measures were pursued under the Proceeds of Crime Act, specifically in the case involving Alzaid Ali and Grace Katia Luivoliga. This non-conviction-based forfeiture allows the ODPP to target assets believed to be proceeds of criminal activities, independent of ongoing criminal proceedings.
Alzaid Ali and Grace Katia Luivoliga are facing drug-related charges, with their case currently before the Lautoka High Court. The orders granted by the court include the seizure of two vehicles, a white Honda Fit Shuttle and a black Audi, as well as substantial funds held in Westpac bank accounts: $75,831 belonging to Alzaid Ali and $23,076.73 belonging to Grace Katia Luivoliga. Additionally, $6,300 found in Ali’s possession at the time of his arrest is also part of the seized assets.
The ODPP has emphasized its dedication to disrupting criminal enterprises by stripping them of financial benefits derived from illegal activities. The office stated that seizing assets linked to criminal actions is a critical tool in combating organized crime and drug-related offenses.
This recent action underscores a pattern of intensified efforts by law enforcement in Fiji to combat drug-related crimes and dismantle the financial networks that enable such criminal activities. In a related case, another civil forfeiture application concerning properties tied to a substantial drug case involving 4.1 tonnes of methamphetamine is under consideration. These efforts reflect a broader strategy to not only pursue justice but also enhance public safety through the targeted seizure of assets linked to organized crime.
The actions taken by the ODPP demonstrate a proactive approach to curbing drug trafficking, highlighting a hopeful trajectory toward safer communities. By effectively targeting the financial motivations behind crime, authorities aim to dismantle the infrastructure that supports organized illegal activities, ultimately fostering a more secure environment for the public.