The Fiji Intelligence Unit (FIU) has reported discovering ties between significant drug seizures in Fiji and various illegal activities. Esther Sue, the acting director of the FIU, presented this information to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence during their review of the Fiji Financial Intelligence Annual Report 2023.
Sue noted that drug trafficking is typically carried out by organized crime syndicates, indicating that certain individuals or networks have likely been identified or aided by law enforcement in previous investigations.
“We can confirm there are established connections because these actions are not the result of isolated individuals,” she stated. “This is a well-organized operation that has likely been in the works for years, with a level of confidence that suggests prior involvement in similar activities.”
She elaborated on the various criminal endeavors associated with drug trafficking and mentioned that certain individuals have emerged on their radar through ongoing collaboration with the Fiji Police Force, which provides them with relevant information and names to focus on for financial analysis concerning potential suspects.