In a significant coordinated effort this week, law enforcement agencies in Fiji conducted a series of raids leading to the seizure of a large quantity of what is suspected to be methamphetamine. The operations, spearheaded by the Serious Organised Crime Intelligence Department (SOCID), were conducted with support from several units, including the Fiji Detector Dog Unit, Police Mobile, and the Fiji Immigration Department. These raids resulted in the arrest of several foreign nationals in locations such as Nadi, Lautoka, and Suva.
The crackdown began on Tuesday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Wednesday morning, resulting in four foreign nationals being detained in the Western Division. Two individuals were intercepted by SOCID officers in a rental vehicle at Votualevu, Nadi, on Tuesday, while another was arrested later that night in Martintar with substances believed to be methamphetamine. A fourth individual was captured in Viseisei, Vuda, early Wednesday.
The raids uncovered flasks filled with zip-lock bags containing the suspected meth, along with significant sums of both foreign and local money. Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the exact volume of the drugs confiscated. Residents in Viseisei reported being unaware of the operation, though some noticed unusual activity and vehicle movement in the early hours.
Additionally, police sealed off two properties in Suva on Rewa Street related to the same investigation. While attempts to speak with nearby residents were unsuccessful, Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed these locations as places of interest, emphasizing the active nature of the investigation.
This operation follows a pattern of intensified efforts by Fijian authorities to combat drug trafficking. Similar past incidents have seen the arrest of key figures in the drug trade and the capture of significant amounts of methamphetamine and other narcotics. These sustained efforts demonstrate a commitment to disrupting illicit drug activities, with authorities continuing to dismantle drug networks in Fiji.
The success of these operations symbolizes a hopeful stride in combating drug trafficking and securing public safety, showcasing the determined stance of law enforcement agencies in Fiji’s fight against organized crime.