Authorities on Taveuni have arrested two additional suspects in connection with a spate of yaqona thefts on the island, bringing the total number of arrests to seven.

The arrests were made by a dedicated task force stationed on the island to track down individuals believed to be involved in the theft of the valuable crop.

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Kasiano Vusonilawe, says investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the networks involved.

Police are also collaborating with key stakeholders to trace potential buyers of the stolen yaqona, aiming to disrupt the market chain that enables the thefts.

Police are calling on the public to assist by reporting suspicious activity through Crimestoppers at 919 or contacting the National Command Centre at 9905 296.