12 crew members of a shipping vessel charged following the discovery of more than $50,000 worth of marijuana

Twelve crew members plus the Captain of a local inter-island shipping company vessel have been charged following the discovery of more than $50,000 worth of marijuana on Sunday night and will be produced in the Suva Magistrates Court today.

The operations team from the Totogo Police Station conducted the raid on the vessel which resulted in the seizure of several packages of dried leaves that were later tested positive as marijuana.

Police say the ship returned from Kadavu when the information was received of the group’s alleged involvement in the transportation of marijuana.

They say the raid was conducted at Narain Jetty which resulted in the arrest of the boat Captain, Chief Engineer, Chief Mate and crew including two cadets.

Police say the accused are between the ages of 69 and 18 years and all have been charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs.