A PARCEL of cocaine that washed ashore at a coastal village between Suva and Navua has heightened concerns about Fiji’s vulnerability to international drug trafficking.
The package, later confirmed by police to contain cocaine, was discovered by villagers at Mau Village on June 30 as they returned from an early morning fishing trip.
Villagers have questioned why the incident was not made public after the drugs were recovered.
Village headman Tomasi Kaivou said the unusual packaging immediately raised alarm.
“The moment they saw it, they knew it was drugs because the packaging looked different from any rubbish that normally washes ashore,” he said.
The discovery left villagers shaken, with Mr Kaivou admitting he feared keeping the package in his home while waiting for police.
“I kept it with me wherever I went until the police came. We were all scared,” he said.
The find adds to a growing number of suspected drug packages washing onto Fiji’s shores, raising concerns that the country’s maritime borders are being exploited by international syndicates.
Mr Kaivou called on Government to strengthen maritime surveillance and support coastal communities with resources.
“We can assist the Government and police in monitoring our shores if we could be provided with a fibre boat and engine or fuel assistance,” he said.
“As our Vunivalu of Namosi has said, we want to keep the province of Namosi a drug-free zone.”
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said officers from Navua retrieved the package after being alerted by a police officer living in the village. Laboratory tests later confirmed the substance was cocaine.
Investigations are continuing.
