Three men including a Police officer have been arrested after four kilograms of methamphetamine was seized at Nadi International Airport while authorities continue investigations into what may be a wider criminal network.
The arrests were made following a joint operation by the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service and the Fiji Police Force.
Police say the interception took place after FRCS Customs Officers identified irregularities during screening of an airfreight consignment from a Southeast African nation.
They say a controlled delivery operation, executed in close partnership between FRCS and the Police, led to the arrest of three men who have subsequently been charged and will appear in the Nadi Magistrates Court today.
Police say all three accused persons have been charged with one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs.
They say the second accused - a police officer and the third accused both face an additional charge of possession of properties suspected of being proceeds of crime.
FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Udit Singh, commended the frontline officers for their vigilance and professionalism saying this interception is a direct result of the sharp intelligence, surveillance, and targeting capabilities of customs officers, and the strong partnership they continue to strengthen with the Fiji Police Force. Singh says together, they are taking firm action to dismantle drug networks at the borders and he thanks the officers and their Police partners for their relentless commitment to keeping Fiji safe.
He also issued a stern warning to would-be traffickers that whether by sea, air, or passenger freight, they are alert, equipped, and coordinated, and this interception proves that they will act swiftly and decisively against any attempt to breach our borders with illicit substances.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, also acknowledged the joint success of the operation saying this is a powerful example of what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies work in unity.
Tudravu says the arrest of a law enforcement officer also reaffirms the zero-tolerance approach towards the involvement of any individual who uses their position of authority for personal gain through corrupt means.
He says he has directed a full-scale investigation to identify those colluding to advance the illicit drug trade in Fiji.
The Commissioner says their shared mission is to protect our people and borders—and this outcome sends a clear message that Fiji is not a safe haven for drug traffickers.
FRCS and the Fiji Police encourage the public to report any suspicious activity related to drug trafficking or the importation of controlled substances. Reports can be made confidentially via email at info@frcs.org.fj.
