Mechanic remanded following Nadi meth bust

A 55-year-old Lautoka mechanic has been remanded in custody by the Nadi Magistrates Court after he was arrested for allegedly importing around 206 grams of methamphetamine in Nadi.

Dharmendra Prasad was arrested following a joint operation between the Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service.

Police say Prasad is alleged to have imported a consignment of books allegedly containing methamphetamine encased in the base of a wooden box.

They say analysis tests were conducted upon its arrival at the Nadi International Airport before the consignment was resealed and set aside awaiting pick up.

According to Police, Prasad collected the consignment earlier this week and a team from the Fiji Detector Dog Unit arrested him when was on his way back to his car.

He is charged with one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs and one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs.

The case will be called on March 3rd.

Meanwhile, Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu says the war on drugs will require everyone’s support as Police will not be able to fight it alone.

He says there have been regrettable situations where they have people questioning their efforts in the war against drugs because of the actions of a few officers, however he pleads with all Fijians to understand that they will take action against officers who are working against ongoing efforts.

The Acting Commissioner says this is also one of the main reasons as to why the organization has taken a tough stand against officers who are found to be involved in the illicit trade.

He adds law enforcement is doing all it can to curb the illegal trade, however efforts could be further strengthened if everyone assisted by sharing information.

Tudravu says whether it be thousands of marijuana plants or a few grams of methamphetamine, all are deemed successful in the ongoing efforts and they are aware that questions have been raised as to why they are focused so much on marijuana and not white drugs.

He says he can assure all Fijians that the momentum on both are equally relentless.