The second accused in the massive drug bust in Legalega, Nadi, claims he was threatened at gunpoint by a Russian national to participate in the transportation of the drug consignment.

David Heritage made the shocking revelation in the Lautoka High Court today during his testimony.

David Heritage told the court that a Russian man, introduced to him by his co-accused Justin Ho, pointed a gun at his head and threatened to harm him and his family if he did not cooperate.

He says the man warned him that his family would be “cut up and fed to the sharks” if he didn’t help move the drugs.

Heritage says this occurred after they had made two unsuccessful trips with a crew to follow coordinates in search of a yacht.

He confirmed that a businessman named Sam, based in Denarau, had asked him to assist with retrieving the consignment.

According to Heritage, Ho gave him a phone to stay in contact and told him that if Sam wasn’t around, he would be taking instructions directly from him.

He also claimed Ho handed him $30,000 to facilitate the transportation of the consignment including money which he says was used to pay for the barge, boat captain, truck hire, and fuel for the yacht.

During cross examination, State lawyer John Rabuku questioned why he never reported the threats to police.

Heritage responded that he feared for his life and had no trust in law enforcement, based on stories he had heard.
When Rabuku suggested he was motivated by money rather than fear, Heritage denied it.

In re-examination, Heritage admitted he had been promised $2 million if the consignment was successfully delivered.

David Heritage and Justin Ho are jointly charged with unlawful importation of illicit drugs between November 1st and December 23rd last year in Nadi.