Police investigating threats against MP Ketan Lal

Police are investigating threats made against Opposition Member of Parliament Ketan Lal, who was allegedly told to use his political influence to secure the release of suspects in the $3 billion Vatia drug bust.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed a complaint was formally lodged on April 14 and the matter has been referred to the Cybercrime Division.

Investigations are ongoing, Ms Naisoro said.

Mr Lal told this masthead he received threatening text messages about two weeks ago on his official parliamentary number from what appeared to be a New Zealand-based number.

“One was to ask the Police to release the Vatia drugs and also use my power to release the men that were there as well,” he said.

The messages also demanded $5000 be sent via M-PAiSA.

“If I go to the Police or make this a public issue, they would rape my family members and all sorts of messages. So it was quite disturbing,” Mr Lal said.

The Vatia case involves the country’s largest-ever cocaine seizure, with 2.64 tonnes of the drug confiscated in a joint operation between the Fiji Police Force and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration on January 15.

Mr Lal said he had reported the matter to Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu and confirmed no further messages had been received since the initial threats.

He urged members of the public to report similar incidents.

“We should track down these kinds of criminals who are threatening people via social media or messaging platforms.

“They need to be taken down,” he said.