8 arrested in separate raids for allegedly selling meth and marijuana

Separate drug operations over the last three days have resulted in the arrest of eight people alleged to be involved in the sale of methamphetamine and marijuana.

This has been confirmed by Assistant Commissioner of Police – Operations - Livai Driu who says concerted efforts are continuing through joint operations between Divisional Task forces and the Fiji Detector Dog Unit, a partnership between the Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service.

ACP Driu says raids and operations are being conducted on a 24-hour basis and a number of early morning raids have resulted in the discovery of white substances believed to be methamphetamine.

He says a 40-year-old man was arrested in the early hours of Friday morning after he was found with white crystals believed to be methamphetamine during a snap roadblock along Milverton Road in Raiwaqa.

He adds on Friday night, two men aged 37 and 42 years old were taken into custody following a raid in Vuci South which resulted in the seizure of plastic bags containing white crystals believed to be methamphetamine, dried leaves believed to be marijuana and packets of syringes.

ACP Driu says on Saturday, three men in Nadi, Ba and Tavua were arrested after they were found with white substances believed to be methamphetamine and dried leaves believed to be marijuana during separate raids.

He says yesterday, a 42-year-old man was arrested at a car wash outlet in Nadi after he was found with white crystals believed to be methamphetamine packed in a plastic bag and cash believed to be from proceeds of crime.

ACP Driu says a 24-year-old man was taken in for a case of criminal intimidation at the Lautoka Police Station early yesterday morning and is also facing a possible charge of unlawful possession of illicit drugs after police found plastic bags containing white crystals believed to be methamphetamine during a search.

He says members of the public can expect snap checks and roadblocks to be erected as Operation Yavirau continues around the country.

ACP Driu says all seized substances were sent for analysis.

He adds awareness and community engagements conducted by community policing officers are also underway; empowering communities to take ownership of their safety and security in partnership with police and stakeholders in the war on drugs.