The Fiji Police Force and Republic of Fiji Military Forces joint taskforce has uprooted more than 47,000 marijuana plants and arrested dozens of people as part of intensified operations targeting illicit drugs and transnational organised crime.

Speaking in Parliament this morning, Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua said a total of 47,042 marijuana plants were seized from 93 farms in the Northern Division, resulting in the arrest of 22 people.

The Minister said a further 68 people were arrested at roadblocks and during searches in the Central and Eastern Divisions for possession of methamphetamine, other illicit drugs and proceeds of crime.

Naivalurua said the operations were being carried out under a national coordinated approach involving the Fiji Police Force, RFMF and other border and law enforcement agencies following a general policy direction issued to the Police Commissioner on tackling transnational serious organised crime and illicit drugs.

He told Parliament the Fiji Police Force remained “fully in control” of intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling and disrupting organised criminal networks operating within Fiji’s borders and maritime domain.

The Minister also acknowledged support from the Australian Government in strengthening Fiji’s law enforcement capabilities through operational cooperation, intelligence sharing, training and regional coordination.

Naivalurua highlighted outcomes from the inaugural Pacific Police Ministers Meeting and the Pacific Transnational Crime Summit held at Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay from May 18 to 22.

He said Pacific leaders, police commissioners and security officials discussed growing regional threats including illicit drugs, maritime trafficking and cybercrime.

The Minister said one key recommendation from the meeting was the development of an intelligence-led regional maritime coordination mechanism under the Pacific Islands Forum framework.

Responding to the ministerial statement, Opposition MP Virendra Nand said Parliament shared the common goal of ensuring national security and supporting frontline police officers.

Nand praised the “thousands of good, honest and hardworking police officers” serving communities around the country, but acknowledged that public trust in policing faced challenges.

He said police leadership must take strong action against “the few bad apples who tarnish the uniform”, regardless of rank, in order to restore public confidence.

Nand also stressed the need for more practical support and resources for frontline officers, including better vehicles, surveillance equipment and maritime capabilities to combat drug trafficking.