World

Drugs being held as evidence go missing in Fiji

By AAP Newswire

Sep 30, 2026

Seized Drugs — Testing showed that some of the seized cocaine had been substituted for flour. -EPA

Fijian police are investigating after illegal drugs being held as evidence in two court cases went missing or were tampered with.

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Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu told a press conference on Wednesday that an investigation was launched earlier this month after seven of 39 one-kilo cocaine bars, held as evidence in one court case, went missing.

The remaining bars were subsequently tested and returned negative for illicit drugs. Local media reported that they had been replaced with flour.

Tudravu said police records showed that the drugs, valued at about $A10 million, tested positive for cocaine in both February and July 2019. The exhibits were then taken to the High Court in 2021.

Tudravu confirmed that drugs held as evidence from another case had been missing since March.

"It is a great concern to all of us. It's a concern for government."

Police had identified six people of interest, Tudravu said.

"Investigators have been working on piecing together the timelines of events since exhibits were attended in court," Tudravu said.

"While I understand that the sense of urgency is demanding quick results, we are doing our best to ensure justice prevails."