The Fiji Police Force has reported that a series of farm raids were carried out in Lau, Savusavu, and Ovalau over the past 24 hours, leading to the seizure of plants suspected to be marijuana. Assistant Commissioner of Police – Operations (ACP) Livai Driu stated that these actions align with a divisional strategy aimed at disrupting the illicit drug supply chain by targeting cultivators and distributors.
In Mavana, located in Vanuabalavu, Lau, authorities discovered a farm cultivating plants believed to be marijuana. Additionally, during the operations on Ovalau, police confiscated over 300 marijuana plants and found groceries suspected of being stolen from a school canteen. One individual is currently in police custody regarding this discovery.
In the Northern Division, ACP Driu reported that a joint operation involving the Serious and Organised Crime and Intelligence units, along with officers from Savusavu, led to a raid near Lea village, resulting in the seizure of over 600 plants, along with dried branches and seedlings thought to be marijuana. A 20-year-old farmer was arrested during this operation.
In the Southern Division, the Serious Organised Crime Unit and task force conducted a raid in Tacirua, where they seized dried branches and small containers holding dried leaves believed to be marijuana. A 43-year-old man has been apprehended in connection with this case.
All confiscated items have been sent for analysis.