The province of Ba is calling for stronger domestic action to protect Fiji’s waters following a massive drug seizure at Vatia in Tavua last week.
Ba Provincial Council chairman Meli Tora urged the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) to join the police in patrolling maritime areas after Friday’s raid led to the arrest of six individuals — including four Ecuadorians and two locals — and the confiscation of over 100 sacks of suspected to contain cocaine.
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu confirmed the operation involved the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the Serious Organised Crime and Intelligence Department (SOCID), and the Western Division Taskforce, noting it was carried out in collaboration with foreign law enforcement.
Mr Tora stressed the need for a strong domestic response.
“I would prefer two things — one, up the sea patrols and two, get the military to help the police,” he said.
He warned against overreliance on international assistance.
Mr Tora also called for grassroots intelligence networks involving turaga ni koro and communities, while emphasising integrity within law enforcement.
“Some of them are also being involved in this cancer, so we need people who have the passion and care and love to stand up and be counted in our fight against this whole operation.”
Police investigations into the Vatia seizure are ongoing.
