White Substance Found at Lami Battery Plant to Be Sent to NZ for Further Testing
While initial analysis by the Fiji Police Forensic Science Service returned negative results for illicit drugs, Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu said the presence of two known ingredients used in methamphetamine production had raised serious concerns.
Friday 25 July 2025 | 00:47
The 26 plastic bags containing a substance believed to be methamphetamine were found early this morning at the Pacific Batteries facility in Wailada.
Substances found hidden inside used car batteries at Pacific Batteries Ltd’s (PBL) factory in Lami are being sent to New Zealand for further testing, police confirmed today.
While initial analysis by the Fiji Police Forensic Science Service returned negative results for illicit drugs, Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu said the presence of two known ingredients used in methamphetamine production had raised serious concerns.
“The white substances seized from a factory in Lami yesterday will be sent to New Zealand for further testing,” Commissioner Tudravu said in a statement.
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“While the tests conducted at the Fiji Police Forensic Science Service laboratory have returned negative for illicit drugs, the presence of two known ingredients used for producing methamphetamine warrants further testing and investigation.
“We will seek the assistance of the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science), an institution we have collaborated with previously.
“Investigations continue to determine the specific use of the seized substances as the presence of the two known precursors is a concern.
“The Fiji Police Force will provide progress on the matter in due course.”
The substances were discovered around 12.30am on Thursday during routine operations at PBL’s Wailada facility, Fiji’s only automotive battery recycling plant.
According to the company, staff found several plastic packages containing a white substance inside used car batteries collected from various locations across the country.
The matter was immediately reported to police, and an investigation was launched.
PBL confirmed it is fully cooperating with authorities and has offered full access to assist with the ongoing probe.
The factory processes old batteries by neutralising acid, breaking down casings, and extracting lead to manufacture new battery grids.
PBL reiterated that the suspicious packages were discovered during battery dismantling and stressed its commitment to safety, legal compliance, and transparency.
