Police confirmed today that substances found hidden within used car batteries at Pacific Batteries Ltd’s (PBL) factory in Lami, Fiji, are being sent to New Zealand for further analysis. An initial investigation by the Fiji Police Forensic Science Service ruled out the presence of illicit drugs; however, the discovery of two known precursors for methamphetamine production has raised substantial concerns.
The Fiji Police Commissioner, Rusiate Tudravu, stated, “While testing conducted at our laboratory returned negative for illicit drugs, the presence of these substances warrants additional investigation.” The forensic team has reached out to the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science for their expertise.
The suspicious materials were uncovered early Thursday during routine operations at PBL’s facility, Fiji’s only automotive battery recycling plant, where staff discovered plastic packages containing a white substance inside used batteries collected from various locations across the nation. PBL’s management promptly reported the find to authorities and is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
This incident is part of a broader context of challenges facing Fiji in combating drug trafficking, particularly as previous discoveries at the same facility have linked it to substantial amounts of methamphetamine hidden in old batteries. Recent police efforts show a commitment to tackling illicit drug activities, highlighted by various significant arrests and seizures across the country.
There is hope that through combined efforts from law enforcement, community vigilance, and public awareness campaigns, the issue of drug trafficking can be effectively addressed. Building a safer environment for Fiji’s citizens requires active participation from the community, encouraging individuals to report suspicious activities while fostering collective action against substance abuse and trafficking.
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