A shipping company operating in Fiji’s maritime region has raised concerns over the growing number of suspected cocaine packages washing ashore across islands in Lau, calling for increased surveillance and monitoring of the area.
In a social media post, Uluilakeba Fleet claimed that Ogea Island was the latest location where suspected drugs had been discovered, following earlier reports from Moala, Kabara and Moce.
The company suggested recent rough weather conditions may have contributed to the appearance of the packages.
“My biggest guess is we had been experiencing rough weather for the last three weeks, with three to five metre swells on our voyages to Lau,” the post stated.
“These drugs must have dislodged from their designated secured pick-up points at sea and are now drifting everywhere in Lau waters.”
The company further claimed that substances recovered from various islands over the past two weeks had been tested in Suva and confirmed to be cocaine.
“These so-called drugs being picked up at various locations in Lau for the past two weeks had been tested in Suva and it’s confirmed to be cocaine.”
The post did not provide evidence to support claims regarding the origin of the packages or any alleged offshore collection points.
Uluilakeba Fleet also questioned the level of maritime surveillance in the region and called for greater security measures.
“Lau and the Maritime Division need assistance in surveillance and monitoring immediately, for the security and wellbeing of its people.”
The company expressed concern over the number of yachts and pleasure vessels operating in Lau waters and linked the issue to broader concerns about drug trafficking by sea.
“Where are the Fiji Navy? The amount of yachts and pleasure boats in Lau waters is astounding.”
The comments come amid growing public concern over recent discoveries of suspected illicit drugs in parts of Fiji’s maritime region.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed details of all reported discoveries mentioned in the social media post. However, law enforcement agencies continue to investigate incidents involving suspected cocaine packages found in various locations around the country.
