Ten individuals are due to face court today following the alleged discovery of methamphetamine during coordinated raids across Fiji’s Central, Southern, and Western divisions. This legal action is a continuation of the country’s robust response to drug-related crimes. Eight suspects are set to appear at the Suva Magistrates Court, while two others will be presented at the Nadi Magistrates Court.
The charges stem from operations carried out by a team comprising the Fiji Police Force’s Serious Organised Crime and Intelligence Department, Detector Dog Unit, Mobile Force, and Immigration Department. These operations were conducted with oversight from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
In the Flagstaff raid, both a Fijian and a foreign national face charges of Unlawful Possession of Illicit Drugs and Possession of Property Suspected of Being Proceeds of Crime, under the Proceeds of Crimes Act (POCA). Meanwhile, three foreign nationals from the first Rewa Street raid are similarly charged and in the second Rewa Street raid, a Fijian and two foreign nationals face the charge of Unlawful Possession of Illicit Drugs.
One foreign national has an additional charge of being a Prohibited Immigrant, according to Section 13(a)(b) and (2)(a) of the Immigration Act 2003. Another individual is charged further under Section 70 of POCA 1997 for Possession of Property Suspected of Being Proceeds of Crime. In Namaka, two foreign nationals connected to Southern Division cases are charged with Unlawful Possession of Illicit Drugs.
The legal proceedings underscore Fiji’s intensified efforts to tackle transnational drug activities, with a keen collaboration among various law enforcement agencies. Such initiatives indicate a proactive approach in combating drug-related offenses, reflecting a broader strategy to enhance public safety and reduce crime rates across the nation.
The ongoing investigations and the court appearances today highlight the commitment of local authorities to address illegal activities effectively. By tackling such severe issues, Fiji seeks to curb the escalation of drug crimes, ensuring a safer environment for its residents. This steadfast approach, combined with community support, offers a hopeful outlook towards achieving significant decreases in drug-related offenses in the future.