ROADBLOCKS erected as part of Operation Sa Rauta in the Nadi-Lautoka corridor to catch thieves are also being used to nab bail absconders and warrantees.
This was revealed by police West media liaison officer Naina Ragigia yesterday. "Operation Vesuka, an initiative from Suva, is being run together with Operation Sa Rauta to catch those who have absconded or breached bail and those with outstanding bench warrants," she said.
Ms Ragigia said vehicle inspections and traffic infringements were also being monitored at the same roadblocks.
"We have 12 vehicles and 50 officers involved in this extensive exercise and that is not counting Land Transport Authority officials and vehicles that are also being used as well," she said.
Police are increasing their presence and continuing monitoring of vehicles in the Western Division after a spate of robberies in Nadi and Lautoka, and also in light of the fact that the West has had the highest number of road fatalities and incidents last year.
Of the 95 road fatalities in the country for 2011 and 2012, 56 were recorded in the Western Division alone.
During Operation Blitz phase III from December 13 last year to January 15 this year, 1368 drivers were booked for speeding and 26 were arrested for drunk driving.