Four to Appear in Labasa Court Over Yaqona Theft Allegations

Four men are expected to appear at the Labasa Magistrates Court today, 16 June 2025, charged in connection with a series of alleged yaqona thefts across the Northern Division.

Among the accused are two 18-year-olds, while the remaining two are in their 20s and 30s.

The arrests follow an investigation by a special taskforce established to address a spike in yaqona-related thefts in the region. The men are alleged to be involved in four separate incidents reported in Viriqilai, Korotari, and the Labasa Market.

All four have been jointly charged with theft.

They are also believed to be linked to other similar cases under investigation in the Nabouwalu and Savusavu operational areas.