HIGH-TECH tracking equipment linked to Mexican drug cartels has washed ashore on Vatulele Island, fuelling concerns that Fiji’s waters are increasingly being used as a corridor for international drug trafficking.
Villagers diving for fish discovered sophisticated beacons and solar-powered GPS transponders that police later told residents were used by highly organised international drug syndicates to track illicit drug shipments.
Taunovo Village turaga ni koro Lenaitasi Kuruvoli said the discovery exposed the sophisticated technology being used by criminal networks operating across the Pacific.
“The transponders were washed ashore, and the beacons were found during a fishing trip,” he said.
Although no drugs were recovered with the devices, authorities confirmed the equipment originated from Mexico.
Residents remain uneasy after one of the tracking devices was seen flashing only days ago.
“Just a few nights ago, one of the transponders blinked its lights. We were shocked that it was still active.”
The discovery comes as police continue recovering suspected cocaine parcels from Fiji’s coastlines. On Tuesday, officers retrieved another package containing a white substance believed to be illicit drugs after it washed ashore on Namena Island.
The latest discovery brings the total number of parcels found around the country to 76, with all previously tested parcels confirmed as cocaine. Discoveries have also been made in the Lau Group, Qamea, Kadavu and Beqa.
Police are working with the Australian Federal Police to trace the source and intended destination of the drugs.
Meanwhile, Vatulele’s four villages have intensified community surveillance, urging residents to report suspicious vessels while expanding youth awareness programs and weekly rugby and netball competitions aimed at keeping young people away from drugs and organised crime.
