A major suspected marijuana plantation has been uncovered in Fiji’s Northern Division, with Police seizing more than 5,600 plants during an operation in the Qaravutu farming area.

The discovery was made by the Northern Division Operations Sasamaki team after officers followed up on information received regarding the alleged unlawful possession of illicit drugs.

The plants, believed to be marijuana, have been seized and placed into custody pending forensic analysis.

One suspect has been taken in for questioning as investigations continue.

In a separate incident, Police also recovered a package containing a white substance believed to be illicit drugs after it washed ashore on Namena Island.

The package was retrieved by Crime Scene Investigation officers from the Criminal Investigations Department following a report received on Tuesday.

Police say the latest recovery brings the total number of drug parcels found around Fiji to 76, with all those tested so far returning positive results for cocaine.

The parcels have been discovered across the Lau Islands, Qamea, Kadavu and Beqa.

The Fiji Police Force is continuing to work with the Australian Federal Police to determine the origin and intended destination of the illicit drugs.

Police have thanked traditional leaders, community representatives and members of the public for promptly reporting the discoveries, enabling officers to recover the packages safely.

Anyone who discovers a suspicious parcel is being urged to avoid handling it and immediately contact Police by calling 1681.