Police have placed an estimated $A780million ($F1.2bilion) street value on a massive cocaine haul seized during a major drug raid in Vatia, Tavua, last week.
Forensic analysis confirmed that all 2630 parcels recovered tested positive for cocaine, with a combined weight of 2.64 tonnes.
Six men – four Ecuadorian nationals and two local men from Veisaru in Ba – have been charged in connection with the seizure and were produced at the Rakiraki Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
The operation followed months of intelligence gathering by the Serious Organised Crime and Intelligence Department in close co-ordination with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Authorities said a suspected shipment from South America was first flagged in December 2025, believed to be bound for a neighbouring country via a semi-submersible vessel.
On January 15, police intercepted a vehicle transporting illicit drugs and raided a boat near Vatia Wharf, leading to the discovery of one of the largest drug hauls in the nation’s history.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said the seizure highlighted the importance of regional co-operation and intelligence-sharing in disrupting transnational criminal networks.
Investigations are continuing as police pursue others believed to be involved in the smuggling operation.
