‘We will not rest or stop hunting them down'

The Joint Task Force will continue its pursuit of drug cartels and criminal networks operating in the Western Division, with authorities vowing there will be no let-up in the fight against narcotics.

Brigadier-General Manoa Gadai made the comments following a joint raid conducted by the Fiji Police Force and Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) personnel at Legalega in Nadi.

Sources claimed the houses raided belonged to businesspeople who own a pedicure and manicure shop in Nadi Town.

The sources alleged the Indo-Fijian couple were involved in the sale of methamphetamine.

A nearby resident, a mother of five, said she was concerned about the influence of drugs on young people in the community, particularly her teenage children.

Brigadier-General Gadai said Police investigations were continuing.

“Unfortunately, the Police are still conducting their investigation and it is premature for me to say anything further,” he said.

Despite this, he said authorities would remain resolute in their mission to dismantle criminal networks operating in the West.

Brigadier-General Gadai said the operation demonstrated the strength of the partnership between the Police and the RFMF.

“This has been a successful joint operation between police and military and I commend both forces for their resilience, sacrifices, unwavering dedication and absolute commitment to the enormous and demanding task that lies ahead of our Police/RFMF Joint Counter-Narcotics Task Force,” he said.

“Let me make this absolutely clear: We will not rest or stop hunting down these thugs and drug cartels who continue to poison our communities and threaten the safety and wellbeing of our people.

“We will pursue them relentlessly, dismantle their operations systematically and ensure they are brought to justice without fear or compromise.”

Brigadier-General Gadai also acknowledged the support of members of the public.

“We also extend our sincere gratitude to members of the public at large for their overwhelming support and for standing with us in this whole-of-nation approach,” he said.

“Their co-operation, trust and vigilance are critical in our fight against criminal networks and the drug menace affecting our nation.”