Suspected drug parcels found in Qamea and Kadavu as Lau haul undergoes testing

Police have recovered suspected drug parcels on the shores of Qamea and Kadavu as investigations continue into a growing number of packages washing ashore across Fiji's maritime islands.

A parcel was discovered along the shoreline near a settlement in Qamea yesterday morning and was quickly reported to police, who retrieved it for examination.

The latest discovery follows an earlier find in Kadavu, where a sealed clear plastic package containing a white substance tested positive for cocaine.

Meanwhile, police are awaiting forensic results on 27 parcels containing white substances recovered in the Lau Group, which are currently being analysed at the Fiji Police Forensics Laboratory in Suva.

The Fiji Police Force confirmed that officers from the Forensics Department and Criminal Investigations Department have been deployed with the Republic of Fiji Navy to conduct further enquiries and retrieve another 35 parcels found floating near Munia Island on Thursday afternoon.

Police acknowledged the swift response from communities in Lau, noting that the latest discovery was promptly reported by the Turaga ni Koro and the parcels were subsequently taken into custody by officers at Vanua Balavu Police Station.

Authorities said all efforts were now focused on locating and recovering any remaining packages for forensic testing.

Investigators are also working with local and regional law enforcement agencies to determine the origin and intended destination of the parcels.

The discoveries have heightened concerns about suspected illicit drugs entering Fiji's waters, with multiple packages having been recovered from islands across the country in recent weeks.

Police are urging members of the public, particularly those living in coastal communities, to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious packages.

“Members of the public living along coastal areas are urged to immediately report the discovery of any suspicious parcels to 1681, and avoid handling or opening them.”

Investigations are continuing.