Former Fiji Law Society President and Nadi lawyer, Dorsami Naidu says there needs to be a high-level investigation into the recent discovery of $2 billion worth of methamphetamine in Nadi, and he says it is time for the Government and the Minister responsible to seriously look into the issue of corrupt police officers and officers in other departments in order to nip the hard drugs problem in the bud.
Naidu says while the Australian Federal Police has commended the work done by their Fijian counterparts in the recent meth busts, he is reliably informed that it would not have been possible without the assistance of the Australian Federal Police hence the need for secondment of trained federal police to our CID and at the same time getting some lecturers from Australia and New Zealand for our Police Academy to pass on the necessary skills.
Naidu says it is apparent that our police lack the forensics tools and the necessary skills in detection and investigation.
He says it seems the political upheavals in the last 36 years have resulted in the police administration like most other departments, remaining stagnant.
Naidu says a joint operation by the local and overseas police resulted in the biggest meth lab bust in 2004 at the Laucala Beach industrial area in Suva after what he was told was a six months surveillance.
He believes such an operation can be carried out successfully again if there are no moles within our own police force.
Naidu says the possibility of a methamphetamine lab existing in the country should also not be ruled out by the police force because smuggling the amount of meth caught recently into the country sounds a bit impossible.
He says all the facts indicate that manufacturing is done in Fiji with the raw materials brought in legally or illegally.
He further says if four tonnes of meth was indeed brought into the country by sea, then it only reflects on the level of corruption that exists in the country that allows such easy passage.
Naidu says the Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Mesake Waqa had recently been quoted in the media saying that people of interest in the two major drug busts in Nadi had gone off the grid.
He says this is after the police got wind that some of their own had provided information to suspects of the pending raid. ACP Waqa had said that his team was fully aware that the network was so organised that the persons of interest were also being tipped off by their very own officers before the scheduled raid.
Naidu says considering the big amount of money involved in such drug trafficking rackets, one wonders what the Fiji Police Force is doing to get rid of the moles within the organisation.
He also says learning that a suspect in the recent meth busts had been recharged for a hard drugs case for which the ODPP had entered a Nolle Prosequi also raises a lot of questions.
Naidu says this involved two kilograms of cocaine which went missing from the exhibit room of a police station.
No one has been charged in connection with the disappearance even though two police officers were alleged to have been suspended pending investigations.
Naidu is asking if we can be made privy to the outcome of the investigation and what is the basis of recharging them when the exhibit evidence is not available.
We have sent questions to Police. They are yet to respond.
A few years ago we were at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where we stated that the previous government was not doing enough to prevent what is coming, and now it is here.
Those are the words Fiji Council of Social Services Director, Vani Catanasiga as she says they anticipated the issues that are now occurring in relation to drug trafficking in Fiji.
Catanasiga says FCOSS is also working with Asia Foundation and USAID on the issue of human trafficking.
She says research and anecdotal evidence shows that if there is a drug trafficking issue, there is always human trafficking involved as well.
The FCOSS Director says they are preparing themselves as a network to deal with that problem.
She says we need to recognise that there are institutions that we must invest in to be able to cope with the social problems we are facing. Catanasiga says in 2021, FCOSS also called for an inquiry into the Police because of the gang wars that were happening in Nabua.
She says they hope that is prioritised urgently because we have to be able to look at an institution like the Fiji Police Force, and other government ministries and say they will protect us, and will uphold their duty.
The FCOSS Director says there needs to be much more attention given to families in the government budget as development corporations are not prioritising families, because families are the unit that are supposed to protect children and women from violence.
She says their communities now have tools after being trained for two days by Asia Foundation supported by USAID so they are countering or preventing trafficking in persons.
Catanasiga adds drug trafficking is being dealt with by the Police and they are doing what they can to support, while trying to prevent the human cost of that which is also protecting our children.
Justin Ho, one of the persons charged in relation to the recent $2 billion methamphetamine busts, is the same person who had his case in court discontinued in 2020 after the cocaine seized in that case went missing from Namaka Police Station.
In that case, it was alleged that former Fiji Airways Flight Attendant Fredrick Epeli and Justin Ho on 23rd December 2018, without lawful authority, attempted to export 2015.7 grams of cocaine to Sydney, Australia.
Following the disappearance of the cocaine, the two men were acquitted of their charges as the DPP had to file a discontinuance in court. Two police officers were suspended pending the outcome of the investigation into the missing cocaine from the police station.
Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro has confirmed that Ho and Epeli have been recharged and produced for the 2018 charges.
We have also asked what has happened in relation to the Police investigation into the missing cocaine from Namaka Police Station.
Thirteen people charged in relation to the seizure of more than four tonnes of methamphetamine in Nadi are currently appearing in the Magistrate Jioji Boseiwaqa.
They had appeared in the Nadi Magistrates Court earlier today however the case was stood down to this afternoon for the bail application hearing.
Justin Ho and David Heritage are charged with unlawful importation of illicit drugs between the 1st of November 2023 to the 23rd of December 2023, in Nadi, and without lawful authority. They allegedly facilitated the importation of 4,800 kilograms of methamphetamine.
David Heritage and Louie Frank Penijamini Logaivau are charged with unlawful possession Of illicit drugs on the 23rd of December 2023, at Fantasy Island, Nadi, without lawful authority. It is alleged that they were in possession of 4,800 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Louie Logaivau is also charged with unlawful possession of illicit drug on the 23rd of December, 2023, in Nadi, It is alleged he is engaged in dealing for the transfer and transport of 4,800 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Justin Ho and Louie Logaivau are also charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs in Denarau, Nadi. It is alleged they were in possession of 4,800 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Louie Logaivau, Issac Lesiyanawai and Ratu Aporosa Davelevu are charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs between the 28th of December, 2023 and the 29th of December, 2023 in Nadi. It is alleged they engaged in the dealing for the transfer and transport of 4,800 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Louie Logaivau and Ratu Aporosa Davelevu are charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs on the 29th of December, 2023, at Motorex Yard, Nadi back road without lawful authority. It is alleged they were in possession of 4,800 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Sakiusa Tuva, Iosefo Roqica, Maika Yabakivou, Ratu Osea Levula, Cathy Tuirabe, Nancy Mateyawa and another are charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs between the 29th of December, 2023 to the 14th of January, 2024, in Nadi without lawful authority. It is alleged they were engaged in dealing for the transfer and transport of 4,800 kilograms of methamphetamine, from the Motorex yard to Legalega.
Jale Aukerea is charged with unlawful possession of illicit drug between 13th January 2024 to 20th January, 2024, in Nadi without lawful authority. It is alleged he engaged in dealing for the transfer and transport of 1,100 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Sakiusa Tuva and Keanie Lilo Mcpherson are charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs between 13th January 2024 to 20th January, 2024, in Nadi. It is alleged they engaged in dealing for the transfer and transport of 1,100 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Justin Ho is also charged with with possession Of property suspected of being proceeds of crime on 23rd January 2024 in Taveuni, possessed cash amounting to FJ$21,691.60, AUD$450.00 and USD$100.00 suspected of being proceeds of crime.
Louie Logaivau is also charged with possession of property suspected of being proceeds of crime on the 23rd of January 2024 in Taveuni. He allegedly possessed cash amounting to FJD$112.25 suspected of being proceeds of crime.
Jale Aukerea is charged with possession of property suspected of being proceeds of crime on the 23rd of January 2024 in Taveuni. He allegedly possessed cash amounting to FJD$2,100.85 suspected of being proceeds of crime.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Mesake Waqa says through joint efforts with the international law enforcement partners, the Australian Federal Police and the Pacific Transnational Crime and Coordination Centre, it has been confirmed that Fiji was being used as a transit point and that the methamphetamine was destined for a foreign market.
He says it is expected some of the spillover was for the local market.
ACP Waqa says they can also confirm that the illicit substances arrived in Fiji in late December, and the exchange of the shipment of methamphetamine is believed to be made outside of Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone, and the packages were delivered via a barge.
He says the investigation revealed that the accused persons in taking delivery of the illicit substances stored it at a private warehouse.
ACP Waqa says the investigations are not over, as they will be working closely with the foreign partners and expect to make more arrests.
Following the $2 billion meth bust in Nadi which is the biggest ever bust in Fiji, Police say investigations have uncovered the involvement of a foreign national tied to a known syndicate, whom they are pursuing with the help of Fiji’s international partners.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Mesake Waqa says 13 people are appearing in court today and investigators are also working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions looking into the proceeds of crime.
He says investigations will also be pursuing information of the involvement of other locals as they cannot rule out the involvement of other persons of interest.
ACP Waqa says the Fiji Police Force acknowledges with sincere gratitude the sharing of information resulting in the quick arrest of three of the main accused persons in the Northern Division as they were allegedly trying to flee the country.
He says they also acknowledge those who voluntarily came forward with information of suspected illegal activities, resulting in other arrests.
ACP Waqa says Police will not be making further comments on the ongoing investigation until major developments are made.
He says the Fiji Police Force is committed to ensuring those involved in the illicit drug trade are brought to justice.
ACP adds through the support of their foreign partners, they are confident of disrupting drug syndicates and reiterate that no one is above the law.
Police have handed over the file of the suspended police officer who scooped methamphetamine from a wrapped container at Namaka Police Bure and fled the scene to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for sanctioning.
The drugs were part of the 3 tonnes of methamphetamine seized in Nadi earlier this month.
The officer had allegedly scooped up the drugs while unloading containers of drugs from Legalega to Namaka Police Station on the 14th of this month.
4 men and 4 women are currently being questioned in relation to the two biggest methamphetamine busts in the country.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Mesake Waqa says the 8 people in custody include a 38 year old Nadi businessman.
3 tonnes of methamphetamine was found in 797 containers in a house under construction for years, on the 14th of this month in Nadi while another 1.1 tonne of methamphetamine was in 4 large containers, 138 medium containers, 127 small containers and 62 kava bags in the Nadi as well over the weekend.
ACP Waqa confirms that the two busts are connected.
He also says their investigation has revealed that the packages are from overseas however they are yet to establish where the methamphetamine was manufactured.
ACP Waqa also says Police are looking at the local and international drug syndicates who may be involved in the manufacturing and transportation of the methamphetamine seized in Nadi.
He says this includes investigating the dealings of a local pharmaceutical operator who is currently serving time in prison in New Zealand after being convicted for methamphetamine related charges.
ACP Waqa says they are looking at all the aspects in this investigation which includes importation, transportation, manufacturing and proceeds of crime.
Stay with us developments.
Click link for Earlier Stories: https://www.fijivillage.com/indepth/Multi-million-dollar-hard-drug-busts-in-Nadi-by-Police-85rx4f/
Police have yet to charge the suspended police officer from Namaka Police Station who allegedly scooped methamphetamine from a wrapped container at Namaka Police Bure and fled the scene.
Police say the investigations into the matter continue.
Assistant Commissioner of Police - Crime Mesake Waqa had confirmed to fijivllage News that the drugs were part of the 3 tonnes of methamphetamine seized in Nadi earlier this month.
The officer had allegedly scooped up the drugs while unloading containers of drugs from Legalega to Namaka Police Station.
ACP Waqa says the man was arrested on last Tuesday from Nasoso in Nadi.
Approximately 1.1 tonne of white substances in crystal and powder confirmed to be methamphetamine has been seized in Nadi, and a 37 year old businessman of Nadi is in Police custody.
The bust took place in Maqalevu. Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Mesake Waqa says the drugs seized were stored in 4 large containers, 138 medium containers, 127 small containers and 62 Kava Bags (500grams packets).
The Fiji Police Force acknowledges the support of its stakeholders that had assisted in the raid.
This is the second major drug bust within a week and an investigation is underway to find all those responsible.
The investigation is in its initial stage and Police are pleading to members of the community to assist them with any information regarding the latest find.
Acting Police Commissioner, Juki Fong Chew says what he can say now is that this current find is based upon the ongoing investigation from the previous methamphetamine find in Namaka last weekend.
Stay with us for developments as investigations continue.
Acting Police Commissioner, Juki Fong Chew confirms that they have had a second major drug bust in the Western Division.
Chew says what he can say now is that this current find is based upon the ongoing investigation from the previous methamphetamine find in Namaka last weekend.
Stay with us for developments as investigations continue.
A police officer from Namaka Police Station has been questioned and released after allegedly scooping spilled crystal powder believed to be methamphetamine from a wrapped container at Namaka Police Bure and fleeing the scene.
Assistant Commissioner of Police - Crime Mesake Waqa confirms that the drugs were part of the 3 tonnes of methamphetamine seized in Nadi over the weekend.
The officer had allegedly scooped up the drugs while unloading containers of drugs from Legalega to Namaka Police Station on Sunday.
ACP Waqa says the man was arrested on Tuesday from Naisoso in Nadi.
Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner of Police – Operations Livai Driu has confirmed that the officer has been suspended and due processes are being followed.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Mesake Waqa says Police are currently looking at the local and international drug syndicates who may be involved in the manufacturing and transportation of the 3 tonnes of methamphetamine seized at a house in Namaka over the weekend.
He says this includes investigating the dealings of a local pharmaceutical operator who is currently serving time in prison in New Zealand after being convicted for methamphetamine related charges.
ACP Waqa says they are looking at all the aspects in this investigation which includes importation, transportation, manufacturing and proceeds of crime.
The suspended police officer who allegedly scooped spilled methamphetamine from a wrapped container at the Namaka Police Bure and fled the scene, has been charged.
He will be produced in the Nadi Magistrates Court this afternoon.
The charges are in relation to drug possession.
Assistant Commissioner of Police - Crime Mesake Waqa confirms that the drugs were part of the 3 tonnes of methamphetamine seized in Nadi over the weekend.
The officer had allegedly scooped up the drugs while unloading containers of drugs from Legalega to Namaka Police Station on Sunday.
ACP Waqa says the man was arrested on Tuesday from Naisoso in Nadi.
Two men are currently being questioned in relation to the biggest drug bust in Fiji over the weekend.
Assistant Commissioner of Police for Crime, Mesake Waqa says they are looking at all aspects of the investigation including information received that the large drug consignment was destined for Australia.
The Police Eastern Division carried out the drug raid in Namaka after a tip off and ACP Waqa confirms that the Western Division team did not take the lead in the operation.
He says they are also not ruling out the allegation that some Police and Customs officers may be involved in the drug operation.
An investigation is now underway to determine whether some people from certain pharmaceutical companies, a fumigation company, some prominent figures and some officials are connected to a major drug ring involved in the movement and dealing of hard drugs like methamphetamine in the country.
An informant has made some serious allegations against certain individuals after the major drug bust in Nadi over the weekend.
Acting Police Commissioner, Juki Fong Chew has referred the allegations being made against these individuals to the investigators.
Information is also being verified on the alleged importation of arms.
Tikoduadua also confirms that the CID is looking into the allegations.
ACP Waqa says they are seriously looking into the allegations regarding the importation of arms.
Police continue to question people of interest in relation to the seizure of the 3.5 tonnes of hard drugs in Nadi.
The drugs were stored in 797 medium size containers wrapped in brown tape and were seized from a vacant house that is currently under construction in Namaka.
Chew says this should send a clear warning to all those trying to bring drugs into the country.
He says this is one of the biggest seizures ever and this shows that Police are on top of things.
The Acting Commissioner says consistent raids by Police continue and more drugs are being seized.
Chew says the fight against drugs continues and they are out there trying to make our country free from drugs.
He says the fight continues in the form of raids and awareness through the media or from the Community Policing Officers in settlements and schools. The Acting Commissioner adds that engagements with the organization's external partners continue as part of its fight against illicit drugs.
The drugs seized are in Police custody and investigations continue.
When asked by fijivillage News, Chew says they would not be able to establish the street value of the drugs as yet but by the huge amount of seizure of approximately 3.5 tonnes, they may say it is worth millions of dollars.
Chew says the team is in the early stages of the investigation as they try and ascertain who is or who all are connected to this.
One of the biggest methamphetamine lab busts in Fiji was back in 2004 at Laucala Beach where over $1 billion worth of hard drugs was seized.
An investigation is now underway to determine whether some people from certain pharmaceutical companies, a fumigation company, some prominent figures and some officials are connected to a major drug ring involved in the movement and dealing of hard drugs like methamphetamine in the country.
An informant has made some serious allegations against certain individuals after the major drug bust in Nadi over the weekend.
Acting Police Commissioner, Juki Fong Chew has referred the allegations being made against these individuals to the investigators.
Information is also being verified on the alleged importation of arms.
Tikoduadua also confirms that the CID is looking into the allegations.
He says Police are questioning people of interest in relation to the seizure of the 3.5 tonnes of hard drugs in Nadi.
Tikoduadua says the things that transpired over the weekend bring out the reality that for a very long time, nothing was done to prevent this from happening.
He says Fiji has a real problem with drugs.
Tikoduadua is also warning those people who are involved in the selling or importation of drugs that the Police will come down hard on them.
He also highlighted that Police investigations are still underway and the cost of the drugs seized is around millions of dollars.
Police seized 3 tonnes of methamphetamine in Nadi over the weekend and the drugs were stored in 797 medium size containers wrapped in brown tape and were seized from a vacant house that is currently under construction in Namaka.
Chew says this should send a clear warning to all those trying to bring drugs into the country.
He says this is one of the biggest seizures ever and this shows that Police are on top of things.
The Acting Commissioner says consistent raids by Police continue and more drugs are being seized.
Chew says the fight against drugs continues and they are out there trying to make our country free from drugs.
He says the fight continues in the form of raids and awareness through the media or from the Community Policing Officers in settlements and schools. The Acting Commissioner adds that engagements with the organization's external partners continue as part of its fight against illicit drugs.
The drugs seized are in Police custody and investigations continue.
When asked by fijivillage News, Chew says they would not be able to establish the street value of the drugs as yet but by the huge amount of seizure of approximately 3.5 tonnes, they may say it is worth millions of dollars.
Chew says the team is in the early stages of the investigation as they try and ascertain who is or who all are connected to this.
One of the biggest methamphetamine lab busts in Fiji was back in 2004 at Laucala Beach where over $1 billion worth of hard drugs was seized.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police for Crime, Mesake Waqa is appealing for information from any member of the public who is aware of any details that will assist them in apprehending all the people involved in the major drug ring in the country.
ACP Waqa says they have received the information regarding allegations against some people from certain pharmaceutical companies, a fumigation company, some prominent figures and some officials.
These are now under investigation to ascertain whether the information is factual.
He says they are also not ruling out the allegation that some Police and Customs officers may be involved in the drug operation.
Earlier Stories:
Police have now confirmed that the 3 tonnes of hard drugs seized in Nadi over the weekend, is methamphetamine.
The drugs was stored in 797 medium size containers wrapped in brown tapes and was seized from a vacant house that is currently under construction in Namaka.
After testing, the preliminary results indicate that the drugs seized is methamphetamine.
Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew says this should send a clear warning to all those trying to bring drugs into the country.
Chew says this is one of the biggest seizures ever and this shows that Police are on top of things.
The Acting Commissioner says consistent raids by Police continue and more drugs are being seized.
Chew says the fight against drugs continues and they are out there trying to make our country free from drugs.
He says the fight continues in the forms of raids and awareness through the media or from the Community Policing Officers in settlements and schools. The Acting Commissioner adds that engagements with the organization's external partners continues as part of its fight against illicit drugs.
The drugs seized are in Police custody and investigations continue.
When asked by fijivillage News, Chew says they would not be able to establish the street value of the drugs as yet but by the huge amount of seizure of approximately 3.5 tonnes, they may say it is worth millions of dollars.
Chew says the team is in the early stages of the investigation as they try and ascertain who is or who all are connected to this.
One of the biggest methamphetamine lab busts in Fiji was back in 2004 at Laucala Beach where over $1 billion worth of hard drugs was seized.
Police have now confirmed that the 3 tonnes of hard drugs seized in Nadi over the weekend, is methamphetamine.
The drugs was stored in 797 medium size containers wrapped in brown tapes and was seized from a vacant house that is currently under construction in Namaka.
After testing, the preliminary results indicate that the drugs seized is methamphetamine.
Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew says this should send a clear warning to all those trying to bring drugs into the country.
Chew says this is one of the biggest seizures ever and this shows that Police are on top of things.
The Acting Commissioner says consistent raids by Police continue and more drugs are being seized.
Chew says the fight against drugs continues and they are out there trying to make our country free from drugs.
He says the fight continues in the forms of raids and awareness through the media or from the Community Policing Officers in settlements and schools. The Acting Commissioner adds that engagements with the organization's external partners continues as part of its fight against illicit drugs.
The drugs seized are in Police custody and investigations continue.
When asked by fijivillage News, Chew says they would not be able to establish the street value of the drugs as yet but by the huge amount of seizure of approximately 3.5 tonnes, they may say it is worth millions of dollars.
Chew says the team is in the early stages of the investigation as they try and ascertain who is or who all are connected to this.
One of the biggest methamphetamine lab busts in Fiji was back in 2004 at Laucala Beach where over $1 billion worth of hard drugs was seized.
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