A villager from Yadua Island in Bua has called for greater vigilance and cooperation among coastal communities and law enforcement authorities following the discovery of a suspicious parcel believed to contain illicit drugs.
Iliesa Rakuka made the appeal on social media after a parcel weighing approximately 1.25 kilograms reportedly washed ashore at Navilaca Beach on Yadua Island yesterday morning.
Mr Rakuka said the substance was suspected to be either cocaine or methamphetamine, although its contents have yet to be confirmed through official testing.
“Oceanic drug trade is real and it is a challenge that we as concerned citizens should take into huge consideration in order to tackle this ongoing issue or problem for the sake and betterment of our present and future Fijians,” he said.
He stressed that tackling drug trafficking through Fiji’s waters required a collective effort involving maritime communities, coastal villages, border enforcement agencies and the wider public.
“It’s a mammoth task that requires a mammoth unity from our maritime community amongst coastline villages and the law and border patrol enforcement,” he said.
Mr Rakuka said he shared the discovery on social media to raise awareness about suspicious packages that could wash ashore in coastal communities.
He urged villagers and members of the public to remain alert and immediately notify law enforcement authorities if they encountered similar parcels.
Mr Rakuka confirmed that the latest parcel had been handed over to Fiji Police.
The discovery follows an earlier report of a suspicious package containing a white powdered substance found along the Yadua Island coastline.
Police had confirmed that the earlier parcel was handed to the village headman, who took it to Nabouwalu Police Station.
The substance was placed in Police custody for further analysis.
Police have urged members of the public to report similar discoveries through Crime Stoppers on 919 or the Police Call Centre on 1681.
