Raid in the North

The focus on the illegal drug trade continues its momentum in the Northern Division with raids resulting in the seizure of substances believed to be marijuana.

Chief Operations Officer (COO) Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (A/ACP) Livai Driu said officers acting on information received conducted raids resulting in the arrest of five men.

The first raid conducted on the 5th of January in Vunivau, Labasa led to the arrest of two farmers aged 45 and 58-years old after sachets of dried leaves beleived to be marijuana and smoking apparatus was found in their home.

A/ACP Driu said the next day the third arrest was made at the Labasa market, where a 27-year-old farmer was allegedly found with dried leaves believed to be marijuana.

The same team of officers while at the Labasa market also arrested a 26-year-old man after he was found with several bullets of dried leaves also believed to be marijuana.

The fifth arrest also made on the 6th of January was made at Nasoi Lane, Labasa Town where a 48-year-old farmer was allegedly found with a clear plastic containing loose green leaves believed to be marijuana.

The Chief Operations Officer said the post festive season period is also known as a peak period for the illicit drug trade, and with the support of the public who are coming forward with information, more arrests are being made throughout the country.

A/ACP Driu said raids and arrests continued to be made throughout the festive period.

He has acknowledged the support of the public in assisting police, and this is reflective of a society that is committed to working together to eradicate the illicit drug trade and has commended the ongoing support.