Fiji drug bust: six charged as police intercept 2.6 tonnes of cocaine

A major international drug operation targeting Fiji has been disrupted, with six people charged after police seized an estimated 2.64 tonnes of cocaine in waters near Vatia.

The accused include four Ecuadorian nationals and two men from Ba, who were arrested during coordinated raids carried out on January 15, 2026. Police confirmed the seizure involved 2,630 individual parcels of cocaine.

 Fiji drug bust: six charged as police intercept 2.6 tonnes of cocaine [Photo by Fiji Police]

Following consultations with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the four foreign nationals were charged with unlawful importation and possession of illicit drugs, as well as unlawful entry into Fiji.

One local suspect, aged 26, is facing multiple charges including unlawful importation, two counts of unlawful possession of illicit drugs and serious assault. A second man from Veisaru, aged 39, has been charged with possession of illicit drugs and serious assault.

Police investigations revealed the operation stemmed from intelligence received mid-last year by the Serious Organised Crime and Intelligence Department, pointing to a large shipment being moved from South America. The Fiji Police Force worked closely with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration as surveillance intensified.

In December, authorities identified the movement of the drugs through the region using a semi-submersible vessel. This intelligence led to the January operation in Vatia.

On the night of the raid, officers stopped a vehicle believed to be transporting the drugs and later boarded a vessel at the Vatia wharf, arresting the four foreign nationals and seizing additional bags containing cocaine.

Laboratory analysis later confirmed the drugs had an estimated street value of AUD780 million. The six accused will be produced at the Tavua Magistrates Court on January 22.

Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said investigations were continuing and more arrests were possible. “This was a high-risk operation, and the outcome reflects months of work behind the scenes,” he said.