Police have apprehended a man believed to be a significant figure in the nation’s drug trade. Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime (ACP) Mesake Waqa announced that the individual was taken into custody by the Fiji Police Force’s Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) alongside officers in the Western Division.
The 29-year-old suspect was under investigation for his alleged role in drug distribution. Following intelligence gathering, a coordinated raid was conducted at a residence in Lautoka, leading to the discovery of white crystals, white powder, and dried green leaves confirmed to be methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana.
In addition to the narcotics, authorities seized smoking devices, a digital weighing scale, a packaging machine, and both local and foreign currencies believed to represent illicit profits from drug activities. Along with the main suspect, two other men and a 20-year-old woman were also arrested during the operation.
Waqa mentioned that during the execution of the search warrant, the suspect attempted to evade capture by unleashing his dog. However, he was subsequently pursued and detained by police officers.
Additionally, another operation in Namaqumaqua, Serua, resulted in the arrest of three men and two women, where a combination of white liquid and white substances identified as methamphetamine was confiscated.
SOCU, which was formerly known as the Counter Narcotics Bureau, has rebranded to better reflect the Fiji Police Force’s comprehensive strategy to address the illegal drug trade and related serious organized crimes, including money laundering and human trafficking.
Waqa emphasized the commitment of the Fiji Police Force to ensure that key players in the illegal drug distribution network are brought to justice. He encouraged the public to be patient, as these operations require careful planning and a solid evidentiary basis for successful prosecution.