Close to five tonnes of marijuana were seized across all five divisions during a three-month police operation targeting illegal drug activity.
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu revealed the figures during a media briefing at the Police Headquarters yesterday, noting that Operation Sasamaki had netted significant quantities of illicit drugs.
“Marijuana continues to dominate the type of drugs seized in all five divisions, now nearing almost five tonnes,” Mr Tudravu said.
He said most of the cases involved unlawful possession and cultivation of marijuana, though white drugs — including methamphetamine were also found during the raids.
“Majority of the cases are for unlawful possession of illicit drugs followed by unlawful cultivation of illicit drugs.
“White drugs are also being seized in all five divisions.”
Despite a slight drop in marijuana-related cases, Mr Tudravu said police remained on high alert. A total of 143 drug-related cases were reported during the operation period — a 13 percent increase.
“One hundred and twenty-three cases were related to unlawful possession of illicit drugs, 17 to unlawful cultivation, and two cases involved unlawful drug importation and one case of unlawful supply of illicit drugs.
“Majority of the 133 cases were related to marijuana, 10 related to methamphetamine.”
Mr Tudravu also addressed concerns about the involvement of law enforcement officers in drug-related activities, saying the institution is taking a hard line on internal corruption.
“I acknowledge the unfortunate alleged role some law enforcement officials have played with regards to recent cases, and I wish to reaffirm our collective communication in cleaning up the organisation from those aiding anyone involved in the illicit drug trade.
“We continue to deploy officers to known areas to conduct more powerful exercise as well as for community policing.”
