Acting Prime Minister, Filimoni Vosarogo says the recent drug bust in Tavua is a significant operation by the Fiji Police Force and counterpart agencies, here and abroad.
Four South American nationals and two Fijians remain in police custody following an early morning drug raid in Vatia waters, between Ba and Tavua on Friday.
Vosarogo says the operation demonstrates their heightened vigilance and commitment to protecting our sovereignty.
He says the seizure of a large quantity of illicit drugs and the arrest of six individuals, including four foreign nationals, highlights both the scale of the threat we face and the effectiveness of our law enforcement agencies when supported by strong intelligence and coordination.
Vosarogo says this incident reinforces the reality that Fiji is being targeted by transnational criminal networks seeking to exploit our geography as a transit route to larger markets.
He stresses that this Government will not allow Fiji to become a safe haven or a trafficking corridor for illicit and dangerous drugs.
The Acting Prime Minister says the consequences of drugs on our society, particularly on our youth, families, and future generations are devastating, and they treat this threat with the utmost urgency.
He also says the arrest of foreign nationals sends a strong and unequivocal message to international drug syndicates: Fiji is not an easy target.
Vosarogo adds our borders are being strengthened, our laws are being enforced, and those who attempt to use our country for criminal gain will be detected, arrested, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
He says if you come to Fiji with drugs or you are in Fiji and support these syndicates, you will be arrested, investigated and tried in our courts.
He says you will rot in our prisons.
Vosarogo says the Government remains fully committed to a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in the fight against drugs.
This includes strengthening border security, enhancing inter-agency cooperation, working closely with regional and international partners, and supporting community-based prevention and awareness initiatives.
He commends the Fiji Police Force and all agencies involved for their professionalism and dedication.
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu says more than 100 bags containing parcels believed to be cocaine were seized by the officers.
Police investigations continue.
