Australian media outlets are reporting that an alleged narco-submarine ferrying more than two tonnes of cocaine destined for Australia has been intercepted by authorities in Fiji.
MSN News reports police boarded a vessel at Vatia Wharf in Tavua, in Fiji’s northwest, on Friday, where 130 sacks of drugs were allegedly seized.
Authorities arrested six men, including two local Fijians and four South American nationals, with local media identifying the foreign suspects as being from Ecuador.
Australian media estimate the street value of the seized cocaine would have exceeded A$2 billion if sold in Australia.
Police believe the drugs entered the Pacific via a narco-submarine that travelled from the other side of the world last year.
Australian police sources told MSN News they were aware of the seizure and believe the shipment was bound for Australia, with some of the cocaine also allegedly destined for New Zealand.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) said it was working closely with Fijian authorities on the investigation.
“The AFP, through its international network, will continue to work closely with our Pacific partners to combat criminal activity, including drug trafficking,” the AFP said.
“The AFP is engaging with the Fiji Police Force regarding this investigation.”
In a statement, the Fiji Police Force confirmed the arrests, saying the operation was the result of international cooperation.
“Four South American nationals and two locals were arrested in an early morning drug raid in Vatia waters,” police said.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said more than 100 bags containing parcels believed to be cocaine were seized by officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Serious Organised Crime and Intelligence Department (SOCID) and the Western Division Taskforce.
“The raid was a result of collaboration between local and foreign law enforcement,” Commissioner Tudravu said, adding that investigations are ongoing.
