Fiji used as transit point

THE more than four tonnes of methamphetamine police intercepted in a major drug haul in Nadi earlier this month arrived into the country in December, with the exchange of the shipment believed to have been made outside Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone and the packages delivered via a barge.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Mesake Waqa provided this update following three extensive weeks of investigations and the laying of charges for the 13 persons suspected to be involved.

“Through joint efforts with our international law enforcement partners, the Australian Federal Police and the Pacific Transnational Crime and Coordination Centre, it has been confirmed that Fiji was being used as a transit point and that the methamphetamine was destined for a foreign market,” Mr Waqa said.

“It is expected some of the spillover was for the local market.

“The investigation revealed that the accused persons, in taking delivery of the illicit substances, stored it at a private warehouse.”

Mr Waqa explained that more than three tonnes were transported to Legalega and later on more than one tonne to Maqalevu.

He said investigations weren’t over yet and they expected to make more arrests.

“Investigators are working with the Office of the DPP looking into the proceeds of crime,” Mr Waqa said.

“Investigations will also be pursuing information of the involvement of other locals as we cannot rule out the involvement of other persons of interest.

“Investigations have also uncovered the involvement of a foreign national tied to a known syndicate, whom we are pursuing with the help of our international partners.”