A man, identified as a significant figure in the local drug trade, was apprehended last Friday by officers from the Fiji Police Force’s Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) in the Western Division.
Assistant Commissioner of Police – Crime (ACP) Mesake Waqa reported that the SOCU team had been collecting intelligence regarding the 29-year-old suspect’s involvement in drug distribution. A collaborative raid at a residence in Lautoka resulted in the confiscation of white crystalline substances confirmed to be methamphetamine, a white powder confirmed as cocaine, and dried leaves identified as marijuana.
In addition to these drugs, law enforcement seized smoking devices, a digital scale, a packing machine, and both local and foreign currencies believed to be the proceeds of criminal activity. Alongside the primary suspect, two other men and a 20-year-old woman were also arrested.
During the execution of the search warrant, the 29-year-old reportedly released his dog and attempted to escape but was quickly pursued and detained by officers.
ACP Waqa assured the public of the Fiji Police’s commitment to bringing key drug distributors to justice, acknowledging that such operations require time and rely on an evidence-based approach to ensure successful prosecutions.