The Fiji Police Force has carried out farm raids in Lau, Savusavu, and Ovalau over the past 24 hours, leading to the seizure of plants thought to be marijuana. Assistant Commissioner of Police – Operations, Livai Driu, stated that these actions align with the division’s commitment to disrupting the illicit drug supply chain by targeting those who cultivate and distribute these substances.
In Mavana, located in Vanuabalavu, Lau, officers found a farm containing what appeared to be marijuana plants. On Ovalau, authorities confiscated over 300 marijuana plants and discovered groceries suspected to have been stolen from a school canteen. A man is currently in police custody regarding this incident.
In the northern region, ACP Driu reported that officers from the Serious and Organised Crime and Intelligence unit conducted a raid near Lea village, uncovering more than 600 marijuana plants, as well as dried branches and seedlings. A 20-year-old farmer was arrested during this operation.
Additionally, in the Southern Division, a raid led by the Serious Organised Crime Unit and task force in Tacirua resulted in the seizure of dried branches and small plastic bags containing dried leaves believed to be marijuana, leading to the arrest of a 43-year-old man.
All seized items have been sent for forensic analysis.