Police have detained a man suspected to be a significant figure in the nation’s drug trafficking operations. Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Mesake Waqa confirmed that the man was apprehended by the Fiji Police Force’s Serious Organised Crime Unit in collaboration with officers from the Western Division.
According to Waqa, intelligence gathering on the 29-year-old suspect led to a coordinated raid on a residence in Lautoka. This operation resulted in the confiscation of white crystals, white powder, and dried green leaves, all identified as methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana, respectively. The raid also uncovered smoking devices, a digital scale, a packing machine, and both local and foreign currencies believed to be derived from illegal activities.
Alongside the 29-year-old suspect, two men and a 20-year-old woman were also arrested. During the search, the main suspect reportedly released his dog in an attempt to escape but was quickly pursued and apprehended by police officers.
In a separate incident, three men and two women were arrested following a search in Namaqumaqua, Serua, where police seized a mix of white liquid and substances confirmed to be methamphetamine.
The Serious Organised Crime Unit, formerly the Counter Narcotics Bureau, reflects the Fiji Police Force’s broader strategy to address the illicit drug trade and related serious organized crimes, including money laundering, human trafficking, and arms smuggling. Waqa emphasized the commitment of the police to bring those involved in drug distribution to justice, noting that these investigations require a thorough, evidence-based approach for successful prosecutions.