John Nikolic’s drug catamaran up for sale in Fiji
Bids are being invited for “the drug yacht” Shenanigans, used by former Melbourne horse trainer John Nikolic to smuggle cocaine from Colombia, through the Pacific.
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A piece of Australian criminal history has been put up for sale by the Fiji government.
Bids are invited for “the drug yacht” Shenanigans, used by former Melbourne horse trainer John Nikolic to smuggle cocaine from Colombia, through the Pacific.
The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service has called for offers for Shenanigans, with tenders closing on August 30.
The catamaran, which has been on dry dock near Lautoka for months, was open for inspection on Friday.
Nikolic’s wife, Yvette, lost a civil High Court challenge in Suva this year to have the yacht returned to her, with her lawyer arguing she had been acquitted of charges, so should keep the boat. The yacht is in Ms Nikolic’s name.
The Nikolics sailed Shenanigans from Florida — where it was purchased — to Colombia and across the Pacific to Fiji early last year, before it was raided at Denarau Marina on June 22, 2018, and $30 million of cocaine, money and guns was found hidden on board.
While Ms Nikolic was acquitted of all charges, Nikolic was found guilty of drug smuggling and weapons offences and sentenced to 23 years in prison, with a minimum of 18.