Fiji Police probe alleged $500,000 imported kava theft

Fiji Police are investigating the alleged theft of close to $500,000 worth of imported kava from shipping containers at the Suva port. The incidents reportedly took place on three separate occasions within a two-month period, from May to June this year.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that an investigation is underway. The stolen kava belonged to four different Fijian-owned kava trading companies. One director, Ravneel Chand of Twin Kava Dealers, reported a loss of $203,830 worth of kava and urged the Fiji Ports Authority to take responsibility and compensate the affected companies.

Another kava trading company reported the theft of 17 sacks, while a third lost kava valued at $100,000. One owner noted signs of forced entry when inspecting their container, indicating a breach of security.

Reports suggest that five suspects were questioned, with one admitting to the offense and implicating a supervisor as the mastermind behind the operation. These multiple incidents have highlighted significant security vulnerabilities within Fiji Ports.

The situation has prompted calls for the police and the ports authority to strengthen their existing memorandum of understanding. Questions sent to the Acting chief executive officer and the chairman of the Fiji Ports Authority have so far remained unanswered, intensifying scrutiny over the authority's security protocols and response.

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$203,830(US$101,915) worth of kava was stolen from them.