THE massive quantity of cocaine with an estimated street value of more than $F1.1billion seized during the Vatia Wharf operation remains under strict security, police insist, as questions continue to surface over the handling of one of the country’s largest drug interceptions.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has dismissed as “completely false” claims circulating on social media alleging tampering or attempted theft of the seized drugs.
“The drugs are in safe custody and the rumours of it being tampered with or attempts to have it stolen are all false,” he said.
The reassurance comes amid heightened public interest and concern over the integrity of the exhibits and the safeguards in place – following recent news of attempts to break in to the military armoury.
Mr Tudravu maintained that all seized substances are being held at a secure location as investigations and court processes continue.
“The seized drugs are being kept at a secure location.”
He also clarified that the destruction of seized illegal drugs follows established judicial procedures.
“Destruction is part of the court process, similar to the process taken in the destruction of the 4.15 tons of methamphetamine (seized in Nadi in January 2024).”
Investigations remain ongoing as police and the military work to trace what is believed to be a wider international drug trafficking network linked to the recent seizures.
