Cracking Down on Fiji’s Drug Farms: Major Cannabis Seizures and Arrests

The Operation Sasamaki team in Kadavu has made significant advancements in combating drug cultivation, having successfully seized over 31,000 marijuana plants from a farm in the tikina of Ono. This major operation, highlighted by Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, is part of a sustained effort to identify the individuals behind these extensive drug farms and disrupt illicit networks in Fiji.

In a parallel operation in the tikina of Yale, police arrested a 19-year-old man connected to a farm discovered with nearly 4,000 marijuana plants. Operations have expanded beyond farms; recent raids on inter-island vessels in Suva have led to the confiscation of additional illegal substances, thanks to K9 officers who have been instrumental in detecting unattended bags containing drugs.

Authorities are actively pursuing leads to locate the owners of the identified farms and items seized during these operations. The police have been conducting snap roadblocks and navigating difficult terrains in their ongoing campaign, resulting in numerous arrests across the Southern, Eastern, and Northern Divisions related to both marijuana and other drugs.

Commissioner Tudravu has commended the officers for maintaining high morale amid challenging circumstances and reiterated the police force’s zero-tolerance policy towards drug offenses. He emphasized the importance of community support in these efforts, stating, “We anticipate resistance, but we will not back down, as this is for the future of our children and grandchildren.” His message highlights the proactive stance taken by law enforcement to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

This ongoing operation represents a broader commitment to eradicating drug-related activities in Fiji, aiming to foster safer neighborhoods and instill hope for a healthier future for all citizens. The collaboration between police and the community is vital in effectively addressing substance abuse issues, giving rise to a promising outlook for progress in the fight against drug cultivation.