A team from Savusavu Police Station spent Friday night at Wainunu in Bua investigating cases of yaqona theft.

This was confirmed by Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro ysterday.

“We have a number of reports whereby between eight people, more than 200 plants have been stolen from them,” Ms Naisoro said.

“We are still waiting for the return of the investigators as investigation continues.”

Meanwhile, Assistant Roko Tui Bua Vinaya Namudu said this investigation follows a complaint highlighted to the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama during his northern tour last week.

“The stealing of grog and green yaqona (growing yaqona plant in the soil) is not an issue only in Bua but also in Cakaudrove province,” Mr Namudu said.

“We have received a memo this week on raising awareness on the need to stop the sale of green yaqona.”

Our staff have begun informing village representatives.

However, we are urging the people to stop stealing and selling green yaqona.”

Trade has been vibrant after some areas which produce yaqona were badly hit by Tropical Cyclone Winston in February 2016.

Shortage of yaqona nationwide forced producers to increase prices, making yaqona now a very lucrative cash crop.

One kilogram of pure and mature yaqona now fetches no less than $100-$150 on the retail market.

Farmers from Taveuni, Bua and mainland Cakaudrove are doing brisk business while traders say that the best deals at present are from dealers in Kadavu.