The Fiji Police Force has stepped up security operations on Lakeba Island ahead of the installation of the Tui Nayau, Tui Lau and Sau ni vanua o Lau with special units deployed to ensure the safety of dignitaries, officials, and visitors.
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Kasiano Vusonilawe said police had held joint meetings with traditional leaders and stakeholders before deployment to ensure a coordinated approach.
“Prior to the deployment of the operations team to the island, we had conducted joint meetings with traditional leaders and stakeholders to ensure the smooth facilitation of movement of people to and from in accordance with the overall mission to ensure safety and security of dignitaries, officials and visitors,” Mr Vusonilawe said.
“Operations are being conducted in phases from the preparation stages to the return of all visitors.”
A man was arrested at the Lakeba jetty on Sunday morning for alleged unlawful possession of illicit drugs.
Police said the arrest was made by officers deployed for the special operations on the island, after a clear plastic containing dried leaves believed to be marijuana was seized during a routine check.
The team – comprised of officers from the Fiji Detector Dog Unit, Police Mobile Force (PMF), and Central Division – conducted the routine check inside a vessel on Sunday morning, whereby the detection was made by the K9 officer, Mr Vusonilawe said.
