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Six Charged In Fiji After Half A Billion Dollar Drug Seizure
Six people have been charged in Fiji in relation to a seizure of cocaine in Vatia waters this month.
Police say last July, its Serious Organised Crime and Intelligence Department gathered intelligence of a significant drug trafficking operation from South America enroute to Fiji.
Months of intelligence gathering and surveillance followed.
On the night of 15 January, officers from the Criminal Investigations Department, Serious Organised Crime and Intelligence Department, and the Western Division Taskforce executed a raid in Vatia where they intercepted a vehicle with two people allegedly transporting bags containing parcels of illicit substances.
Another team proceeded toward the Vatia wharf, where a raid on a boat led to the arrest of four people with more bags containing parcels of cocaine.
The forensic analysis conducted on the 2,630 seized parcels of cocaine have all tested positive for the drug, weighing 2.64 tonnes, with an estimated street value of USD$527 million (FJD$1.2 billion).
Four Ecuadorian nationals have each been charged with one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs, one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs and one count of unlawful entry into Fiji, as per section 6 (1) of the Immigration Act 2003.
The fifth accused, a 26-year-old man from Ba, has been charged with one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs, two counts of unlawful possession of illicit drugs and one count of serious assault.
A 39-year-old man, also from Ba, faces one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs and one count of serious assault.
Investigators are also looking into others involved.
The Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu has called for public support regarding law enforcement efforts.
"Many have viewed efforts of disrupting the illicit drug trade as ineffective, not realizing the work that goes on behind the scenes, and the risks involved," he said.
"We are not sitting back and doing nothing. We are actively pursuing intelligence received and verifying the information.
"The success of this cross-border operation underscores the commitment by the Fiji Police Force and regional partners in disrupting criminal networks that threaten the security of our country and region."
Also this month, France's High Commission in French Polynesia has reported the seizure of 4.87 tonnes of cocaine in its maritime zone.
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