THE discovery of an alleged undercover drug laboratory in a Nadi nightclub this week marked a major development in the war against drugs, says Police Commissioner Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho.
“In regards to the clandestine lab that has been identified, it is a breakthrough for us because it has identified one of the areas where this thing could be processed from,” he said.
Police intercepted a vehicle in Navo, Nadi, on Monday night that was allegedly transporting illicit drugs from Suva to Nadi.
In it they found substances believed to be cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana.
Using information gleaned from the driver, the same team of officers then proceeded to the nightclub and conducted a raid which resulted in the discovery of materials and equipment believed to be used in the manufacture of illicit drugs.
Brig-Gen Qiliho labelled the operation “a significant breakthrough”.
“That came about through information from the public and also the analysis done by officers in the West.
“And I really must commend my men and women on the ground for the outstanding work they are doing in this regard.
“That is an ongoing process and the linkages to other crimes will also be pursued.
“I can assure you that the operations on drugs and the battle to rid our nation of this menace will continue to increase.
“We are confident that we are rattling their structures at the moment with the information that we have collected and with the momentum of operations that we have, that we are disrupting the functions and operations of the people dealing drugs.”
