John Nikolic jailed as details of mystery Colombian man who worked on his yacht is revealed

Details of a Colombian man disgraced former horse John Nikolic “engaged” to work on his yacht have been revealed, as it emerged the drugs that landed him a 23-year jail sentence were connected to a major cartel.

A mysterious Colombian by the name of Hohe was “engaged” by the Nikolics to work on their yacht in South America, it can now be revealed.

Yvette and John Nikolic were also alone on Shenanigans for a period in Colombia, according to police statements made by other crew members and their own social media posts.

News Corp has been told repairs were made on Shenanigans in Colombia and the cocaine found on the Nikolics’ yacht is connected to one of the major Colombian drug cartels.

Former Melbourne horse trainer John Nikolic was on Friday sentenced by the Suva High Court to 23 years jail, with a non-parole period of 18 years, for drug smuggling and weapons offences.

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Former Melbourne horse trainer John Nikolic was on Friday sentenced by the Suva High Court to 23 years jail for drug smuggling and weapon offences. Picture: Gary Ramage

His wife Yvette is back in Australia after being found not guilty of all charges and walking free from Suva High Court on February 19 but the Fiji Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has flagged it is considering appealing her acquittal. She has always maintained her innocence.

A police statement by Hawaiian crew member Jeffrey Hassell — which can now be referred to as John Nikolic’s High Court trial has concluded — says a crew of seven initially set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for Colombia on Shenanigans.

After reaching Colombia, Mr Hassell got off the yacht and spent seven days in a hotel with his girlfriend, before flying back to Florida.

“At that time we left the boat. John and Yvette had engaged help (from) a local by the name of Hohe,” Mr Hassell said in his statement to Fiji Police after the June 22 raid on Shenanigans at Denarau Marina.

It can be revealed that a mysterious Colombian by the name of Hohe was “engaged” by the Nikolics to work on their yacht in South America. Picture: Supplied

Thirteen bars of cocaine — believed to be worth up to $30 million — drug tablets, unlicensed weapons, 112 rounds of ammunition and cash were found on board Shenanigans in the Fiji Customs search.

Mr Hassell, an experienced boat skipper, said he was asked by the Nikolics through the website Cruiser’s Forum to rejoin the boat in Shelter Bay, Panama in mid-March.

Another former crew member on Shenanigans, Australian-Canadian Geoffrey O’Dwyer, has previously told News Corp the Nikolics were the ultimate hosts and a “fun” couple to sail with.

He said Yvette and John had arranged to meet up with family and friends in Fiji, but Shenanigans was raided by Fiji Customs before the meeting could take place.

Thirteen bars of cocaine drug tablets, unlicensed weapons, 112 rounds of ammunition and cash were found on board Shenanigans in the Fiji Customs search. Picture: Gary Ramage

A Customs officer gave evidence that he overheard John Nikolic tell Yvette during the raid that he owed dangerous people a lot of money and drug smuggling was the only way he could pay them back.

A customs officer also told the court John was overheard saying to Yvette “a Colombian marine” had put something on the boat.

John Nikolic attempted suicide during the raid.

After collapsing on Shenanigans John Nikolic was quickly given medical aid by a doctor from a nearby superyacht and then rushed to Lautoka hospital by ambulance, where he was treated in the emergency department and remained in intensive care for a number of days.

It is understood there are now fears for his welfare inside the notorious Suva prison, where prison sources say he has been treated for depression.

Suva prison is renown for abuses of human rights, appalling conditions — including open, shared showers — and even torture. Picture: Gary Ramage

The Suva High Court heard on Friday that Nikolic was at risk of developing the devastating degenerative disease, Huntington’s.

An incurable disease which progressively kills the brain, Huntington’s robs sufferers of their physical and mental abilities. Depression is one of the most common symptoms.

Two of John Nikolic’s uncles have suicided after developing the genetic disease and his mother has also been diagnosed with the illness, which runs strongly through the family.

Testing has found John Nikolic carries the gene for Huntington’s disease.

Suva prison is renown for abuses of human rights, appalling conditions — including open, shared showers — and even torture.

Prisoners frequently complain of being denied medical aid.

Sources said even for fit and healthy prisoners with robust mental health, a long period in Suva prison would be insufferable.