Caption: Valebasoga-Raid-13-plants-ranging-from-5cm-to-2.2mtrs-were-uprooted.Photo:SUPPLIED.
Six raids were conducted yesterday in various locations on Vanua Levu where a total of 861 plants and 2 parcels believed to be marijuana were found.
The raid was conducted by police officers as part of Operation Sasamaki currently ongoing in the Northern Division. As a result seven people were arrested and kept in custody for questioning.
Four reports were recorded at the Savusavu Police Station, one at the Labasa Police Station and one at the Tukavesi Police Station.
Chief of Operations Assistant Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu says the Fiji Police Force is serious about its campaign to eradicate drugs from our communities.
“We are adopting a new strategy whereby we want all drug cases are to be investigated thoroughly and the suspect produced to court quickly as a deterrent to others who are involved in this illegal trade”.
Previous practice would have the suspect released awaiting analysis of the suspected substance which at times would be a lengthy process.
However ACP Tudravu says the new approach is anticipated to reduce time taken to await confirmation of analysis reports.
“The Fiji Police Analyst will now be on hand to conduct the analysis of the plants or substances confiscated so that we can lay the necessary charges if the need arises”.
“Arrangements will be made to have the Analyst brought to the Division or District where the team will conduct the operation, so that tests can be conducted immediately after the raid”.
ACP Tudravu adds raids will be conducted throughout the five Police Divisions during this month.
On the same note he acknowledges the continuous support from members of the public in providing information that has led to a number of successful raids.
“The war on drugs can only be fought collectively and we continue to request assistance in eradicating drugs from our society”.
MEDIA RELEASE