A drug operation in Kadavu has led to the arrest of a 40-year-old man and the seizure of over 2,600 plants believed to be marijuana, while claims have emerged regarding alleged misconduct by officers during the raid.
The Fiji Police Force has clarified that on the morning of March 18, 2026, police acted on intelligence regarding marijuana cultivation in the Lavidi area.
Police say officers first encountered a farmhouse at the Waiqereqere terrain, where the man was arrested.
They say following questioning, he led authorities to his alleged farm, where a second farmhouse was found housing 15 youths.
The operation resulted in the uprooting and seizure of more than 2,600 plants, which were removed from the area.
The 15 youths were questioned and subsequently released.
Police say video footage online shows the officers escorting the group with the seized plants past one of the farmhouses.
However, police say the team has denied any involvement in the destruction of hardware and farming equipment on the site.
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu has directed that statements from all officers involved be obtained before deciding on the next steps.
Tudravu says the organisation’s zero tolerance for abuse of lawful authority and stated that any breaches of the law would result in criminal investigations.
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