Meth being smuggled in with kava - report

Police in Fiji and New Zealand are investigating allegations that drug traffickers at Nadi International Airport have been packing methamphetamine in bags of powdered kava sent to Auckland.

The Fiji Times reported today quoted a source as saying that the paper that three airport workers had been sent home after their implication in drug trafficking activities, and more suspensions were expected.

The group, which reportedly included officials from the police airport unit and Immigration Department, were said to have been trafficking the drug for some time.

The drugs were hidden inside bags of powdered kava sent to Auckland.

The newspaper said the drugs were transferred on a particular flight and members of the group often changed their work roster to be on duty at those times.

The head of the Police Drug Unit, Inspector Sakeo Ganivatu, confirmed an investigation was under way, saying that more details may be released soon.

- NZPA