Tevita Ralulu, a former CID officer and landowner in Tavualevu, has issued a strong warning to drug smugglers exploiting Vatia Wharf, asserting that this area, situated on traditional land, should not be used for illicit activities. Ralulu expressed his discontent over the frequent reports linking the wharf to significant drug operations, emphasizing the embarrassment felt by local landowners and their resolve to combat this issue.
He urged traffickers to cease their operations at Vatia Wharf, saying, “What I want is for these drug dealers and foreigners who are sending drugs through Vatia not to use this wharf.” Ralulu highlighted the upcoming significant developments in the area and stated the landowners’ firm stance against any illegal activities that could jeopardize these plans.
After noticing suspicious yachts anchored near an uninhabited island nearby, Ralulu has taken action by alerting the police. He voiced concerns regarding possible corruption within law enforcement, suggesting that some officers may be colluding with drug traffickers.
This call for action comes in the wake of a major drug bust on January 16, when law enforcement apprehended five foreign nationals and six Fijians, seizing over 2.6 tonnes of cocaine near the Vatia Wharf. Among those charged are both local residents and foreign nationals, underscoring the serious implications of the drug trade in the region.
Ralulu’s determined stance against drug trafficking illustrates a community rallying to protect their land and future. His warning to traffickers reflects a broader commitment to maintaining the integrity of the area and ensuring local development proceeds unhindered.
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