The sale and purchase of newly uprooted or green yaqona plants is now prohibited on the island of Taveuni.
Police say this is being done to address the increasing number of yaqona thefts on the island - and the buying and supplying of newly uprooted or green yaqona plants will be deemed illegal.
Divisional Police Commander North Verani Nakauyaca confirms the decision has been made following consultations with the District Officer Taveuni.
Police say it has been found that the increase in theft of yaqona on the island is linked to the sale of freshly uprooted yaqona which has also made it difficult to investigate as plants are quickly disposed off.
The District Officer Taveuni is responsible for the issuing of licenses for the purchase of green yaqona plants and to date no license renewals have been facilitated.
Police are urging members of the public in Taveuni to contact the Northern Division Command Centre on 9905722 if they know of people who are involved in this activity.
