4.15 Tonnes of Meth Destroyed
The Fiji Police Force assured that the process carried out was in accordance with best practices and in strict compliance with the Court Order.
Friday 28 February 2025 | 22:05
The Fiji Police Force forensics team examine the last batch of methamphetamine before it is destroyed at the Dignified Crematorium in Davuilevu on February 28, 2025. Photo: Inoke Rabonu
The Fiji Police Force has completed the destruction of 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine ($2 billion) by way of vaporisation at the Dignified Crematorium.
Known as Operation White Wave, the destruction process began on Monday, February 24, and was closely monitored throughout by stakeholders, in accordance with the Court order dated December 13, 2024, to ensure transparency.
As of 4pm on Friday, all drugs were destroyed.
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Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu visited the team led by Director Forensics Superintendent of Police (SSP) Margret Marshall, thanking them of the work in complying with the court order.
In assuring the Commissioner, SSP Marshall said all residues collected after the burning tested negative of the illicit drug.
The drugs were destroyed by way of vaporisation at the Dignified Crematorium incinerator in Davuilevu.
In response to health and environmental concerns associated with the destruction of high volume of illicit drugs, Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Fiji Dr Sivendra Michael said, “The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change had worked with Police to ensure compliance with environmental standards. We all support the joint operations by the Police and Republic of Fiji Military Forces in our national fight against illicit drugs.”
This was despite heavy criticism on the process authorities followed in the destruction with nearby residents complaining about health hazard from the smoke emitted through the process.
The Fiji Police Force assured that the process carried out was in accordance with best practices and in strict compliance with the Court Order.
Stakeholders involved include the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Policing, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Ministry of Environment, RFMF, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Australian Federal Police, New Zealand Police, Energy Fiji Limited, Dignified Crematorium, International Observers, and the Nausori Town Council.
Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj
