A second shipment of illegal drugs was expected to pass through Fiji in February, following a previous interception of 4.15 tonnes that arrived undetected in Nadi from a yacht in January. Sources familiar with the drug operation revealed that the quantity of the upcoming shipment was anticipated to be similar to the amount seized earlier.
The alleged mastermind behind the drug movement, a Lebanese-Australian whose name is withheld, had indicated to a close local associate the designated pickup location for the new shipment. This individual owns multiple properties in Fiji, including a fitness center in Nadi, and was instrumental in arranging the transportation of the previous drugs.
The local associate, also unnamed, previously played a crucial role in facilitating the earlier shipment of 4.15 tonnes of meth from the sea to the mainland. The anticipated pickup point for the second shipment is similar in distance to that from Nadi to Rotuma Island, posing challenges for the barge captain given the coordinates provided for extraction.
While police have followed the coordinates associated with the shipment, there was a change in plan due to the first drug seizure on land. The Lebanese-Australian had entrusted his local partner with this second effort because of their successful handling of the prior shipment. At the time of the initial drug seizure earlier this year, the mastermind had already departed Fiji for Australia, where the drugs were ultimately intended—an area noted for its lucrative market for methamphetamine.
In recent events, local authorities intercepted 4.15 tonnes of meth, valued at approximately $2 billion, which was destined for Australia. Some of these drugs were also intended for local distribution within Fiji. Between January 14 and 20, police conducted raids in the areas of Legalega and Maqalevu, resulting in the confiscation of 3.1 tonnes from a construction site in Legalega and 1.05 tonnes from Maqalevu.
According to Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) Livai Driu, there has been an increase in arrests connected to narcotics following these busts. The police reported a 37 percent rise in drug-related arrests compared to the same period last year, with 1,105 cases logged over the past seven months, up from 805 cases previously.
Currently, the drugs seized in Nadi are stored at the Police Mobile, awaiting a court decision regarding their destruction. This story is developing, with further information about the drug trade expected in the coming days.