Six Charged Over 2.6 tonnes of cocaine seized in Fiji’s largest drug bust

The Fiji Police Force have charged six individuals, including four foreign nationals, following the seizure of 2.6 tonnes of cocaine in what authorities describe as one of the largest drug interdictions in the country’s history.

The operation, carried out in Vatia waters on 15 January 2026, led to the interception of 2,630 parcels of cocaine with an estimated street value of AUD $780 million.

Following consultations with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), four Ecuadorian nationals have each been charged with unlawful importation of illicit drugs, unlawful possession of illicit drugs, and unlawful entry into Fiji under section 6(1) of the Immigration Act 2003.

Two local men from Veisaru, Ba, have also been charged. A 26-year-old faces one count of unlawful importation, two counts of unlawful possession of illicit drugs, and one count of serious assault, while a 39-year-old man has been charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs and serious assault.

Police say the operation followed months of intelligence-led investigations by the Serious Organised Crime and Intelligence Department (SOCID), which began as early as July 2025 after information was received about a major drug trafficking operation originating from South America.

The Fiji Police Force worked closely with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) during the investigation, monitoring the movement of a suspected drug shipment flagged in December 2025. Intelligence indicated the drugs were being transported via a semi-submersible vessel and were destined for one of Fiji’s neighbouring countries.

On the night of 15 January, officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), SOCID, and the Western Division Task Force executed a coordinated operation in Vatia.

Police first intercepted a vehicle allegedly transporting bags containing parcels of illicit substances. A second team then moved to the Vatia wharf, where a vessel was raided and the four foreign nationals were arrested with additional bags of cocaine.

Forensic testing later confirmed all 2,630 parcels were cocaine, weighing a total of 2.64 tonnes.

Police say investigations are continuing, with four additional locals and one foreign national currently in custody, suspected of facilitating the importation of the drugs.

All six accused are expected to be produced at the Tavua Magistrates Court on Thursday, 22 January 2026.

Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu described the operation as a major success against transnational organised crime, crediting cooperation and real-time intelligence sharing among law enforcement agencies.

“This successful operation came with inherent risks, and I commend all involved for their determination in disrupting transnational criminal activity in the region,” Commissioner Tudravu said.

He also addressed public criticism about the effectiveness of drug enforcement efforts, saying such operations take time and involve significant behind-the-scenes work.

“We are actively pursuing and verifying intelligence. We will uncover the networks and those involved, and I call on the public to continue supporting policing efforts,” he said.