Fiji Police confirm 76 washed-up parcels tested positive for cocaine

Fiji police say 76 recently recovered parcels have tested positive for cocaine.

The parcels were found in the Lau Group, Qamea, Kadavum and Beqa.

The Fiji Police Force is liaising with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), their Australian counterparts, to ascertain the parcels' source and destination.

Savusavu Police, on Vanua Levu, were deployed on Tuesday last week to recover a clear plastic containing white substance believed to be illicit drugs, found washed ashore on Namena Island.

"The Fiji Police Force acknowledges traditional and community leaders for reinforcing the need to report the discoveries as quickly as possible to police, to allow for the deployment of officers to recover the packages," the force said in a statement.

"Members of the public are encouraged to call 1681 and report the discovery of parcels and to avoid handling the packages."

Meanwhile, police have seized a farm in Qaravutu with more than 5600 plants believed to be marijuana.

A suspect was taken in for questioning.

Fiji is in the grip of a drug crisis as the region as a whole faces a battle against drug trafficking. People in positions of authority are allegedly among those involved. In May, a multinational police investigation implicating 11 Fijian police officers in collusion with drug traffickers was handed over to prosecutors.

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.