Drug shipment claims emerge over empty Suva container

A 40-foot container arrived into the Port of Suva in January, was alleged to have contained illicit drugs.

This newspaper understands that when Police arrived at the container yard in Suva, there was nothing inside.

Information regarding the contents of the container is believed to have been received around the same time of the cocaine bust in Vatia, Tavua.

Questions sent to Police remain unanswered when this edition went to press. However, this masthead understands that investigations are ongoing.

As joint police and military operations to dismantle drug operations continue across the country, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Operations Kasiano Vusonilawe said they worked closely with the Fiji Ports Authority, Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, under an existing memorandum of understanding.

“They give us information. That’s how they coordinate with us,” he said.

However, Mr Vusonilawe is not aware of the shipping container that allegedly carried drugs.

Joint ops

Deployment of joint operations team depends on areas considered red zones.

Mr Vusonilawe said the deployment sites varied daily across the country.

“We work according to reported crime cases, and from there we work our operations on the ground. We don’t work according to unreported cases.”

He said military support was a great boost to police in terms of manpower on the ground.

Mr Vusonilawe emphasised that the joint operation exists to create a safe environment for people to move around.

“I urge the public, don’t panic, don’t worry about anything. The two security forces are there for the people of the nation.”

He reiterated that they are committed to working within the ambit of the law.