Dozens of packages containing 'white substances' found in Fiji

Fiji is grappling with a significant influx of mysterious packages, with over 60 parcels containing "white substances" discovered along its coastlines. The Fiji Police Force is actively investigating these finds, with 27 parcels recovered in the Lau group currently undergoing forensic testing in Suva. An additional 35 parcels were found adrift near Munia Island.

Concerns have heightened as an earlier discovery in Kadavu yielded a sealed plastic parcel that tested positive for cocaine. Another parcel washed ashore near a Qamea settlement on Saturday morning. Police have stated that all efforts are focused on retrieving and testing these packages. They are also liaising with regional and local law enforcement agencies to determine the source and intended destination of the mysterious shipments.

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All efforts are being directed to retrieve all packages for testing by the Forensics Department. Liaison with regional and local law enforcement stakeholders continues to identify the source and destination of the parcels.

Authorities are urging coastal residents to report any suspicious parcel discoveries immediately by calling 1681, emphasizing the importance of avoiding handling or opening them. This situation unfolds against a backdrop of increased drug seizures in the Pacific region. Recent reports indicate substantial drug hauls by law enforcement in Samoa and significant cocaine seizures by Australian and New Zealand police in the Pacific this year. In response, Pacific police chiefs have endorsed the launch of "Pacific Watch," an online crime-reporting service, and Australia and New Zealand police are funding a strike force in Colombia to combat the Pacific drug trade.

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The discoveries come as Samoa's acting police commissioner said earlier this month police there had carried out 20 drug raids in the first five months of the year.