JOINT STATEMENT
17th July
The Fiji Police Force, Australia Federal Police and NZ Police, along with other Pacific Island police services, continue to work together to disrupt and stop transnational organised crime and prevent harm in all our communities.
This follows a joint investigation conducted since late last year involving the shipment of 34kg of Methamphetamine seized at Tauranga Port, NZ on 19.11.19.
A 48year old man residing at the Vuda Back Road in Lautoka was produced at the Lautoka Magistrates Court yesterday for his alleged involvement in the shipment of 34kg of Methamphetamine that was seized at Tauranga Port, NZ on 19.11.19.
The accused has been released with strict bail conditions and will be produced again at the Lautoka High Court on 30.7.20.
The successful joint operation is similar to another case which resulted in the sentencing of Fijian national Tallat Rahman in the Auckland District Court earlier this month.
The 61-year-old Fijian was arrested and charged following a major operation targeting the import and supply of methamphetamine into New Zealand and transnational crime.
The operation, dubbed Operation Nova, was run by New Zealand Police’s National Organised Crime Group, who worked closely with Fiji Police and other Fijian Agencies.
The Fiji Police Force, New Zealand Customs, New Zealand Police and the Australian Federal Police acknowledged the sentencing of Mr Rahman as it sends a strong message that Police have their sights fixed firmly on those who engage in such illegal activity and the professionals who aid their offending, and they will all be held to account.
The Transnational Serious Organised Crime team [TSOC] is an example of Police showing their commitment to disrupting transnational organised crime groups in the Pacific.
Fiji’s Commissioner of Police Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho says Fiji is committed in its role as a member of the TSOC team.
He adds through the sharing of resources and capabilities, Fiji, Australia and New Zealand are making a major difference in protecting smaller Pacific Island states from the harmful effects of the illicit drug trade with every successful joint operation and seizure made.
National Organised Crime Group’s Detective Superintendent Greg Williams says the operation has helped strengthen the relationship between Fijian and NZ Police.
This has resulted in some good ongoing work to support Fiji Police as they respond to the threat of transnational organised crime.
Such offending causes immeasurable harm to our communities through preying on vulnerable people via the sale of drugs. Such offending causes families to suffer.
