93% increase in registered drug cases from Police Operation Sasamaki in March

Police have recorded a 93 percent increase in registered drug cases around the country during their Operation Sasamaki which was launched in March this year.

This was revealed by Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu today who says, this is reflective of the collective concerted efforts in disrupting, destabilizing, and dismantling the illicit drugs network, a total of 4.9 tonnes of marijuana have been seized from the 1st to 31st of last month.

Tudravu says the majority are within the Central Division, with more than 3.5 tonnes in Kadavu alone.

He says the four divisions have also registered seizures relating to cultivation in Savusavu, Keiyasi, Rakiraki, Levuka, Vunidawa, Nabua, Lami, Nalawa, and Tavua.

He adds methamphetamine continues to be seized in small amounts, however, it is still significant in the Police’s current effort.

Tudravu says they maintain that no clandestine lab has been identified, but unprofessional low-grade cooking of meth is currently being undertaken throughout the country.

He says there have been over 100 arrests made with 96 people charged and produced in court.

He adds that proceeds of crime worth over $70,000 in cash and building materials have been seized.

The Commissioner says he has labelled the war on drugs as a matter of life and death situation.

Tudravu says life in the sense that it's harmful to one's health and also in the sense that we cannot shy away from the fact that some people are resorting to drugs as a means of earning a living.

Tudravu acknowledged the Vanua, the faith-based leaders, and other stakeholders who have come on board to assist in curbing the illicit trade.

He also acknowledged the crime prevention committees and those sharing tips and information for their valued support.

When asked for an update on their investigations into drug kingpins, Tudravu says they are still working on building those cases and are trying to connect the dots to take a more holistic approach, especially in relation to marijuana.

He says they try to look at the cultivators, the transporters, the buyers, and the users.

Tudravu says their investigators are doing that, and he has confirmed that they have identified but are just building up on the cases, before having those that are behind all these illicit drugs taken in.