Lautoka raid nets over $1 million in drugs, cash and one arrest

Ahouse raid in Lautoka last week has resulted in an arrest and the seizure of illicit drugs and cash with the estimated value of more than $1 million.

The military and police joint operation was confirmed by the Commander of the Joint Task Force Command at the Blackrock Camp in Nadi, Brigadier-General Manoa Gadai.

He said the seized methamphetamine has an estimated street value of about $500,000, while cocaine was valued at about $800,000.

Brigadier-General Gadai said the Western Division joint task force team successfully carried out the raid, during which drugs and money were recovered.

He confirmed the seized drugs and money were handed to police.

Police Spokesperson Seargent Wame Bautolu was unaware of the raid when asked by this masthead.

Brigadier General Gadai was also asked about claims that the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces were not working together because of a lack of trust between the two organisations.

“I don’t know about the Eastern, Central and Northern divisions, but for us in the Western Division they are still active and successful,” he said.

Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua has referred all questions about the raid to the Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, pointing out that raids are operational matters, while he only handles policies.