Eight more people were arrested this morning for allegedly breaching the COVID-19 restrictions in the Lautoka lockdown area.
Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho says four fishermen from Ba were intercepted by a Coastal Patrol team in Nacilau waters this morning and were taken into custody.
He says three men from Nalawa, Yasawa were also arrested along the Viseisei Beachfront returning from an island resort and were trying to get into Lautoka.
The last incident saw the arrest of a 31-year-old woman who entered the cordoned off area via sea from Nadi.
Qiliho adds all reports of disobedience and attempts made to enter the lockdown areas will not be taken lightly and those who continue to breach the restrictions will face the full brunt of the law.
Meanwhile, a man in his 50s has been charged with one count of disobedience of lawful order for allegedly breaching the Lautoka lockdown conditions.
Qiliho says the boat captain from Yanuya Island in Nadroga was intercepted by Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji and Police officers on Friday at the Vuda Marina when they sighted a fiber glass boat operated by the suspect approaching the marina.
Qiliho says the suspect was advised to leave the marina due to the lockdown.
He says after the team left they noticed a taxi leaving Viseisei Village and upon enquiring with the driver, it was discovered that he had dropped two people.
The Commissioner says the officers then proceeded to Viseisei Village where they found the suspect trying to ferry the two persons out of the lockdown area.
He was arrested and charged.
Qiliho says they are again pleading with members of the public to adhere to the advisories and cooperate with authorities as these measures are being implemented for everyones well-being.
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