Dozens of packages containing 'white substances' wash up around Fiji

More than 60 parcels containing "white substances" have washed up in various locations across Fiji.

Fiji police say 27 parcels were found in the Lau group, and these are currently being tested at the forensics lab in Suva.

There were also another 35 parcels found floating along Munia Island.

In an earlier discovery, a sealed clear plastic containing white substances was found in Kadavu, and tested positive for cocaine.

And on Saturday morning, a parcel was found washed along the shoreline near a settlement in Qamea.

"All efforts are being directed to retrieve all packages for testing by the Forensics Department," Fiji police said in a statement.

"Liaison with regional and local law enforcement stakeholders continues to identify the source and destination of the parcels.

"Members of the public living along coastal areas are urged to immediately report the discovery of any suspicious parcels to 1681, and avoid handling or opening them."

The discoveries come as Samoa's acting police commissioner said earlier this month police there had carried out 20 drug raids in the first five months of the year.

Last month, the Australian Federal Police gave figures for drugs seized in the Pacific this year - more than three times the total amount seized in 2025.

A statement from Commissioner Krissy Barrett said 17 tonnes of illicit drugs, mostly cocaine, have been seized by local and international law enforcement in the Pacific since January.

Earlier this month, New Zealand Customs officers seized an estimated 100kg of cocaine worth up to NZ$35 million after it was discovered hidden inside a shipping container at the Port of Tauranga.

Pacific police chiefs have endorsed the launch of Pacific Watch, an online crime-reporting service, while Australian and New Zealand police have announced they will fund a strike force in Colombia to fight the Pacific drug trade.