Police unaware of suspected drug find in rented vehicles

The Fiji Police Force says it has not received any formal complaints from the Fiji Rental Car Association regarding claims that suspected drugs are being found in rental vehicles returned by customers.

Reports from rental operators suggest that white substances, believed to be methamphetamine, have been discovered in some vehicles after use. However, police say they have not confirmed any such cases.

Fiji Rental Car Association treasurer, Ahmed Faruk, said operators have come across what appears to be white powder left inside vehicles.

“We have found substances left in the car… it looks like white powder,” he said.

Mr Faruk said the substances could have been accidentally dropped, left behind by users, or hidden and forgotten.

The findings have raised concern among rental operators, who say they are not trained to identify drugs or handle such situations.

“We are not qualified to screen who is involved and who is not,” Mr Faruk said.

He said that in some instances, the substances were discarded instead of being reported to authorities.

Mr Faruk warned that the issue could have serious consequences for businesses and individuals who come across such substances.