Lau drug operation expands as joint forces intensify maritime patrols

A multi-agency maritime operation involving the Fiji Navy, Fiji Police Force, Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and the United States Coast Guard is continuing in Lau waters as authorities ramp up efforts to combat transnational organised crime and investigate the recent discovery of suspected illicit drugs in the region.

The joint operation comes amid ongoing investigations into parcels containing suspected drugs recovered from islands in the Lau Group and other parts of Fiji, with authorities maintaining an increased presence across the country's maritime borders.

The operation brings together Navy vessels, Police investigators and FRCS officers to conduct patrols, vessel inspections, shoreline searches and maritime law-enforcement activities throughout the area of operations.

Authorities said the partnership enhances Fiji's ability to maintain maritime-domain awareness, deter illicit activity and respond to information of operational interest across the country's vast maritime area.

Specialist teams, including Fiji Navy divers and the Deployable Geospatial Survey Team (DGST), have also been deployed to support underwater searches, assess locations of interest and provide geospatial information to assist operational planning and evidence recovery.

During the deployment, substances recently recovered in Lau and believed to be linked to the wider illicit-drug threat were collected and secured for appropriate handling and further investigation by the relevant authorities.

The operation is also being supported by the United States Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane (USCGC Harriet Lane), which is operating alongside Fijian authority sea riders as part of a joint maritime security effort.

Operations are expected to continue in the coming weeks as authorities pursue information of operational interest and work closely with communities to safeguard Fiji's maritime borders from criminal activity.

Republic of Fiji Navy.

Authorities said the partnership enhances Fiji's ability to maintain maritime-domain awareness, deter illicit activity and respond to information of operational interest across the country's vast maritime area.

Despite challenges posed by the size of the operational area, the complexity of criminal threats and increasing demands on resources during the current fuel crisis, agencies say they remain committed to maintaining maritime security.

Operations are expected to continue in the coming weeks as authorities pursue information of operational interest and work closely with communities to safeguard Fiji's maritime borders from criminal activity.

Officials acknowledged the professionalism and commitment of personnel involved in the operation, as well as the support of partner agencies and communities throughout Lau.

Members of the public are being urged to report suspicious maritime activity, unfamiliar packages or debris, and any information relating to illicit drugs to the Fiji Police Force or relevant authorities.