Five individuals are scheduled to appear at the Ba Magistrates Court today in connection with an extensive drug seizure in Vatia. The group includes a 49-year-old foreign national, a 33-year-old unemployed woman, a 40-year-old boat captain, and two self-employed men aged 34 and 39, all residents of Suva.
Following detailed consultations with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), each defendant has been charged with one count of Conspiracy to Commit Importation of Illicit Drugs, as outlined in Section 49 of the Crimes Act 2009 and Section 8 of the Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004. Authorities allege that between November 1, 2025, and January 15, 2026, the accused collaborated, both among themselves and with additional individuals, to unlawfully import, transport, transfer, and store a remarkable 2,644 kilograms of illicit drugs.
In addition to the conspiracy charges, the foreign national faces two counts of Possession of Property Believed to be Proceeds of Crime, under Section 70(1) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 1997. Similarly, the woman and one of the self-employed men also contend with charges of Possession of Property Believed to be Proceeds of Crime under the same legislation.
The Fiji Police Force remains dedicated to pursuing additional leads as the investigation continues, reaffirming their commitment to effectively address drug-related offenses in the region. This case illustrates the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies in Fiji to combat drug trafficking and enhance public safety. As the judicial proceedings advance, there is optimism that this situation will serve as a deterrent to future illicit actions and foster increased community awareness about drug issues.