The Fiji Police Force has reported that a series of farm raids took place in Lau, Savusavu, and Ovalau over the last day, resulting in the seizure of plants suspected to be marijuana. Assistant Commissioner of Police – Operations, Livai Driu, stated that these raids align with efforts to disrupt the drug supply market by targeting cultivators and distributors of illegal substances.
In Mavana, located in Vanuabalavu, Lau, authorities uncovered a farm containing plants believed to be marijuana. In Ovalau, they seized over 300 plants along with groceries thought to be stolen from a school canteen. One man has been taken into police custody in connection with this find.
In the North, ACP Driu noted that a raid was carried out near Lea village by the Serious and Organised Crime and Intelligence units, resulting in the confiscation of over 600 plants, dried branches, and seedlings associated with marijuana cultivation. A 20-year-old farmer was arrested during that operation.
Additionally, in Tacirua within the Southern Division, a raid conducted by the Serious Organised Crime Unit led to the confiscation of dried branches and small plastic bags containing dried leaves thought to be marijuana. A 43-year-old man has been detained following this incident.
All confiscated items have been forwarded for analysis.