The support of the vanua and traditional leaders has been identified as an integral component of combating the cultivation of illicit drugs in Fiji.

Chief Operations Officer (COO) Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Abdul Khan said a recent meeting held between the Turaga ni Koro's and Tikina representatives from Beqa and the Divisional Police Commander South Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pita Keni resulted in a successful joint drug operation on the island.

Teams from the Police Special Response Unit and Southern Division were deployed to the island where they were briefed of the alleged cultivation of marijuana.

A drone was deployed, confirming the existence of the farm and a team trekked to the hilltop where more than 600 plants believed to be marijuana were discovered.

A man in his 30s was also arrested after he was found with plants believed to be marijuana.

More information has been received of more farms on the island and the team continues their operation.

ACP Khan has commended the show of support towards efforts of combating the illicit cultivation of illegal drugs.

“The Fiji Police Force is truly appreciative of the support shown by the traditional leaders and as the Commissioner of Police has reiterated on many occasions, the war on drugs and the illicit drug trade needs the support of every Fijian as it impacts and harms families and our society”.

“Apart from our focus in areas where the cultivation of the illicit drug is well-known for, we have received information of other maritime areas where the cultivation is happening and once the information is verified, the WATERPOL Unit has the capability to deploy teams immediately”.

The suspect remains in Police custody as investigations continue.