The Fiji Police Force had shifted its focus beyond those caught cultivating or possessing drugs, with investigators working to identify the people financing and benefiting from the trade.

Police had indicated that drug investigations were being pursued across the country, while financial investigations were being conducted separately to trace proceeds linked to serious crime.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Loraini Seru had explained that the Anti-Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Unit was responsible for following the financial side of serious offences, including drug-related investigations.

“The financial aspects and proceeds of serious crime are being handled by the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Unit” ACP Seru highlighted. 

The focus had come as police continued operations against illicit drugs across the country. 

Earlier this month, more than 8,000 suspected marijuana plants were uprooted in Cakaudrove, while suspected methamphetamine and cash believed to be proceeds of crime were seized in Laucala Beach.

Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu had stressed that investigators were looking beyond the people found at the scene and were trying to establish where the money came from and who was behind the wider network.

“We are trying to establish the source of the money and identify the big fish” Comissioner Tudravu said. 

Police had also confirmed that some drug-related files were before the DPP for legal advice, while investigations into financial links continued.

The approach meant the focus was not only on removing drugs from communities, but also on identifying the people financing the operations and following the money behind the trade.

By: Joeli Ragoneliwa