Two people from Lautoka arrested and charged for alleged importation of meth from the USA

A joint operation conducted by the Fiji Revenue and Customs Services and the Fiji Police Force has resulted in the arrest of two individuals from Lautoka in Nadi suspected of importing commercial quantity of methamphetamine.

The two have been remanded in custody and are due to appear in court on the 30th of November 2021.

The total amount of drugs seized and the total value has not been revealed.

The joint controlled delivery from the United States of America led to the seizure of the consignment where methamphetamine was allegedly discovered concealed in various items.

The two people were charged with unlawful importation of illicit drugs and unlawful possession of illicit drugs and have appeared in the Nadi Magistrates Court.

FRCS Acting Chief Executive Officer Fay Yee says the vigilance and capabilities of all stakeholders at our borders is indicative of their commitment to keeping illicit substances from reaching our communities.

Yee says they know that organised criminal groups are very agile in adapting their smuggling efforts to try and take advantage of any situation.

However she says their combined capabilities make it difficult for those wanting to smuggle these illicit substances and the success of this controlled operation is a testament of that.

Yee says FRCS is collaborating closely with all border enforcement agencies in the fight against drug trafficking.

Police Commissioner Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho says the level of co-operation needed to disrupt criminal networks is actively being pursued by law enforcement stakeholders to ensure relevancy in the protection of Fiji's borders.

Qiliho says the sharing of intelligence and investigation capabilities with law enforcement agencies is enhancing their abilities to disrupt the supply chains of the illicit drug trade, making our communities safer from the immense harm of the illegal trade.

A stern warning is also issued to the drug traffickers to desist as they will face prosecution under the law.