More than 2,000 plants believed to be Marijuana discovered in Kadavu

More than 2,000 plants believed to be marijuana were discovered in Kadavu after three raids conducted in the hills of Muanisolo Village in Naceva.

Police say the first raid resulted in the seizure of more than 1,000 plants, whereas the second raid resulted in more than 800 plants being discovered while the third raid resulted in more than 200 plants being seized.

Chief Operations Officer and Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdul Khan says the momentum of drug raids will be stepped up ahead of the festive season operations.

He adds the focus will not only be on known areas of cultivation but also on white drugs.

Khan says this week a number of people have been arrested for unlawful possession of illicit drugs as well.

He says a farmer in his 20s was arrested from the Labasa Market after he was allegedly found in possession with sachets of dried leaves believed to be marijuana.

Khan says the festive season is when they often record spikes in drug offences and operations will be beefed up to counter the anticipated increase based on past trends.