Drugs Seizure
A joint controlled operation between the Fiji Police Force and Fiji Revenue and Customs Service led to the seizure of methamphetamine allegedly imported by a 55year old mechanic of Lautoka earlier this week.
The accused is alleged to have imported a consignment of books allegedly containing methamphetamine encased in the base of a wooden box.
Fiji Revenue and Customs Officials had received intelligence from their international Customs counterparts that the consignment was carrying illicit drugs.
Upon its arrival at the Nadi International Airport, subsequent analysis tests were conducted before the consignment was resealed and set aside awaiting pick up.
Earlier this week the accused collected the consignment and while he was on his way back to his car, a team from the Fiji Detector Dog Unit arrested him and two others and took them into custody.
The 55year old mechanic was charged with one count of Unlawful Importation of Illicit Drugs and one count of Unlawful Possession of Illicit drugs.
He was produced at the Nadi Magistrates Court yesterday and has been remanded till the 3rd of March.
In a separate case, five men are in Police custody after they were arrested in Cunningham allegedly in possession of white substances believed to be methamphetamine.
The five aged between 29 and 44 years were arrested yesterday in Cunningham Stage 2.
Seized were zip lock plastic bags containing white substances believed to be methamphetamine.
The substance has been sent for analysis. Investigations continue.
The war on drugs continues with great momentum with the focus on both green and white drugs across the country.
Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu says the war on drugs will require everyone’s support as Police will not be able to fight it alone.
He adds law enforcement is doing all it can to curb the illegal trade, however efforts could be further strengthened if everyone assisted by sharing information.
The Acting Commissioner says this is also one of the main reasons as to why the organization has taken a tough stand against officers who are found to be involved in the illicit trade.
“There have been regrettable situations where we have people questioning our own efforts in the war against drugs because of the actions of a few officers, however I plead with all Fijians to understand that we will take action against officers who are working against ongoing efforts”.
“This is a battle that we can’t fight alone and the sharing of information from international partners shows how serious and devastating the illicit trade is in that they have forewarned us so that we don’t allow it to enter our society”.
A/CP Tudravu says every seizure is considered a success irrespective of how small.
“Whether it be thousands of marijuana plants or a few grams of methamphetamine, all are deemed successful in the ongoing efforts and we are aware that questions have been raised as to why we are focused so much on marijuana and not white drugs”.
“I can assure all Fijians that the momentum on both are equally relentless, it's' the nature of operations that is different where in one we can easily locate the farms with the use of modern technology, while the other it takes to time to gather information and intelligence, but either way we are focused on curbing both forms for the sake of our young and future generation”.
