Over 47,000 marijuana plants seized in Northern raid

More than 47,000 marijuana plants have been seized in the Northern Division as joint police and military operations intensify Fiji’s fight against illicit drugs.

A joint operation between the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces has led to the seizure of the plants from 93 farms in the Northern Division.

Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua revealed the figures while delivering his ministerial statement in Parliament today.

Mr Naivalurua highlighted recent developments under the National Joint Enforcement Centre as Fiji continues its fight against illicit drugs.

“To date, the Fiji Police Force and the RFMF joint operation have successfully seized a total of 47,042 marijuana plants from 93 farms in the Northern Division, in which a total of 22 persons were arrested,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the Central and Eastern divisions, Mr Naivalurua said 68 people had been arrested for possession of methamphetamine, other illicit drugs and proceeds of crime during roadblocks and other searches.

Mr Naivalurua also assured Fijians that police remained fully in control of operations targeting illicit narcotics.

“I also wish to assure the people of Fiji that the Fiji Police Force remains fully in control of ongoing intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling, disrupting and destroying illicit drug networks and transnational organised criminal activities operating within our borders and maritime domain,” he said.