40kg of cocaine worth $40M found on an island in the Lau Group

40 kilograms of cocaine valued at $40 million has been found on an island in the Lau Group.

This discovery was made in a joint operation of the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, Fiji Police and the Fiji Navy.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service received information that there were bars found on an island in the Lau group believed to contain illicit drugs.

Revenue and Customs Chief Executive Officer Visvanath Das says they commend the efforts of the people of the island and those who ensured that Revenue and Customs was immediately alerted about the drugs found on the island.

He says that surveillance in coastal communities and seas are an ongoing challenge for Customs, however, with such assistance and cooperation from islanders and villagers, they can aim to protect our borders from illicit trade.

The people of the island have requested that the island’s name not be revealed for safety reasons.

Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho says actions by the people of the island are truly commendable and they are grateful to have members of the community who are willing to assist in their efforts in the war against drugs.

He adds the drugs are with Police now and they will be working closely with the Fiji Navy and Customs throughout the investigation process.

No arrests have been made as yet.