A joint operation between the Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has led to the arrest of a 40-year-old General Manager from Tamavua and three others following the interception of a cocaine shipment sent from Brazil.

In a statement, police confirmed that the 40-year-old suspect has been charged with one count of Unlawful Importation of Illicit Drugs contrary to Section 5(b) of the Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004.

Authorities said the consignment, addressed to the suspect’s company, arrived in the country on 27 October 2025.

The package, which was declared as a “smoke machine,” was flagged as suspicious after being detected by a drug detector dog during inspection.

“When the package was opened, officers discovered that a device labeled as a smoke machine contained a motherboard with a black cover. Upon cutting the cover open, a white powdered substance was found hidden inside,” the police statement said.

Preliminary tests confirmed the substance to be cocaine, weighing approximately 640 grams. Following this discovery, a controlled delivery was conducted.

On Thursday afternoon (30 October 2025), a police team intercepted a vehicle at the company’s car park, arresting the 40-year-old suspect and two others who were in possession of the package. A fourth suspect was later arrested and brought in for questioning.

“All four suspects were interviewed for the allegation of unlawful importation of illicit drugs. Formal charges and the release of the other three suspects were done in consultation with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP),” police said.

The main suspect remains in police custody and is expected to appear at the Suva Magistrates Court today.