Disgraced horse trainer John Nikolic fighting for life in Fiji after arrest
DISGRACED horse trainer John Nikolic remains in a critical condition in a Fijian hospital as details emerge about his arrest in connection with a massive drug bust.
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DISGRACED horse trainer John Nikolic remains in a critical condition in a Fijian hospital as details emerge about his arrest in connection with a massive drug bust.
The brother of jockey Danny Nikolic was one of four men detained late last week after Fijian authorities seized $20 million worth of cocaine and ecstasy from a yacht that had sailed from Bora Bora in French Polynesia to Denarau, Fiji.
Police allegedly found 15kg of drugs, $20,000 cash, guns and ammunition.
Police allegedly found 15kg of drugs, $20,000 cash, guns and ammunition.
It is understood Nikolic later tried to hurt himself in custody and was taken to the intensive care unit of the Lautoka Hospital in northeast Fiji.
“He’s still very critical,” a source told the Herald Sun.
“He has no family to be there by his bedside. He is by himself.”
Nikolic’s associates were shocked to hear he was fighting for his life but many were not surprised by the alleged circumstances.
One racing identity told friends over the weekend he knew Nikolic had invited associates “to go fishing” on a boat around the islands between Vanuatu and Fiji.
An ex-jockey who was close to Nikolic for years said he had wondered for a long time if he was headed for trouble.
Nikolic has been banned from attending racecourses and attending Melbourne’s casino after a scandal-filled decade. He was also banned from training in 2015 after admitting to doping a horse.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing consular assistance to an Australian detained in Fiji, which could include helping find local lawyers, communicating with family and liaising with local authorities.
Danny Nikolic did not comment on his brother’s reported arrest or medical condition but did not dispute the alleged circumstances.
If you are experiencing personal problems, call Lifeline on 13 11 14
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