More than 1.2 tonnes of marijuana with an estimated street value of more than $86 million have been seized in the past three to four weeks in Kadavu, says Police Commissioner Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho.

He said this was possible through the use of two drones, which were bought at a cost of $60,000.

The commissioner said the force was investing in technology.

“We remain in Kadavu and continue with those drug operations,” Brigadier-General Qiliho said.

“We continue to conduct the operations and expect a few more farms in Kadavu that were captured by the drones and our Police Response Unit there to be seized.”

He said Police were continuing their work to track down drug farms by using drones.

Brigadier-General Qiliho has also acknowledged the support from members of the public in providing information on drug cultivation.

Brigadier-General Qiliho said the Kadavu drug bust was the biggest for 2020 and was part of their ongoing efforts in the war against drugs.

Meanwhile, a team of officers from Tukavesi Police Station in Labasa uprooted about 1300 plants believed to be marijuana.

The team conducted a search in the Tunuloa hills on Saturday after receiving information. The plants were up to one metre in height.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said investigations were underway to locate the owner of the farm.

She added the plants were kept for analysis.

Edited by Ivamere Nataro

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