Police Seize 1.1 Tonnes of Methamphetamine in Nadi
“Anyone who comes to the house, we do not interfere with them or know their business or what they are doing here. We were shocked when police officers and soldiers came and discovered those amounts of drugs,” Ms Lal said.
Monday 22 January 2024 | 09:22
The house where the drugs were discovered at Maqalevu, Nadi. Photo: Mereleki Nai
More methamphetamine has been found in Nadi.
The Fiji Police Force confirmed that 1.1 tonnes of crystals and powder seized in Maqalevu, Nadi, on Saturday night were methamphetamine after a preliminary test.
The drugs seized were stored in four large containers, 138 medium containers, 127 small containers, and 62 yaqona bags (500 grams packets).
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The house where the drugs were discovered belongs to one Arvin Lal, who lives in Australia.
His elder sister, Reena Lal, who lives next door, said their 10-acre freehold land was owned by their great-grandparents. She is the eldest of three siblings.
She said before their father died, he sold some land and distributed others through his Will.
It was believed that the distribution of Will caused differences between the three siblings.
“We had not been on good terms with each other. We hardly spoke to each other,” Ms Lal said.
She said that after the death of their father, his younger brother took over the family house.
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“They (Arvind Lal’s in-laws) only come here to clean the house and the compound. We also don’t talk to each other,” she said.
Ms Lal observed that some iTaukei village men would come in the evening to turn on lights and turn them off in the morning.
“Anyone who comes to the house, we do not interfere with them or know their business or what they are doing here. We were shocked when police officers and soldiers came and discovered those amounts of drugs,” Ms Lal said.
She said they heard that her brother had given the house to a real estate business.
“We haven’t seen anyone renting here. The real estate business owner used to come here when my brother was here,” she said.
Suspect in custody
A 37-year-old businessman from Nadi is in police custody in relation to the above drug discovery.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Mesake Waqa: “Approximately 1.1 tonnes of white substances in crystals and powder were seized on Saturday night in Maqalevu, Nadi,” ACP Waqa said.
Meanwhile, ACP Waqa acknowledged the support of its stakeholders who had assisted in the raid.
He said this was the second major drug bust within a week, and an investigation was underway to find those responsible.
“The investigation is in its initial stage, and we are pleading with members of the community to assist us with any information regarding the above findings,” he added.
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