Four thousand plants believed to be marijuana uprooted from farms in Kadavu

More than four thousand plants believed to be marijuana were uprooted from 4 separate farms in Kadavu this past week.

The raids were conducted at Daku,Levuka I Yale ,Dakuni and Naivakarauniniu.

The raids were part of the ongoing mop-up exercises where areas know for the cultivation of marijuana were being revisited.

Investigators are following leads on the owners of the farms as investigations continue.

Intelligence gathered by Police in the Southern Division and assistance from villagers contributed to the success of the raids.

The seized plants will be sent for analysis.

Chief Operations Officer ACP Maretino Qiolevu has acknowledged the support of the vanua in working with Police.

"We assure members of the public that all information and tips received will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality and no one should fear coming forward as any officer who gives out information will be dealt with accordingly".

Meanwhile a 39 year old fisherman of Labasa was arrested following the discovery of $23,000 worth of methamphetamine in Labasa this week.

The raid was conducted on Thursday morning at the junction of James Madhvan Street.

The accused from Vunivau, Labasa was stopped and searched whereby officers found small clear plastic bags containing white crystals inside his car.

The accused has been charged with one count of unlawful possession of illicit drug and will be appearing at the Labasa Magistrate Court tomorrow.

Officers in Labasa also conducted raids at two homes belonging to the accused whereby dried leaves believed to be marijuana and a clear plastic with white substance believed to be illicit drugs were found.

The seized plants and drugs will be sent for analysis as investigation continues.