Rolled-up bank note being used to snort a line of cocaine. Photo: AFP
Fiji
Four people were arrested after the interception of a cocaine shipment from Brazil.
The Fiji Times reported the shipment arrived on 27 October and was declared as a smoke machine.
But it was noticed by a drug detector dog and a white powdered substance was found inside.
Preliminary tests confirmed the substance to be cocaine, weighing approximately 640 grams.
Three of the suspects were released, while one has been charged with unlawful importation of illicit drugs.
Solomon Islands
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says labour mobility schemes are a "lifeline opportunity" for Solomon Islanders.
Addressing regional participants of the Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting, Manele said overseas income significantly supports family livelihoods - covering education, housing and business finances.
Last year, remittances from seasonal workers surpassed US$50 million.
At this week's meeting, participants are discussing labour mobility challenges across the region, and advocating for fair recruitment and reintegration processes.
Fiji
Fiji is getting ready to establish the nation's first alcohol and drug recovery centre.
The Ministry of Health is partnering with the Korea International Cooperation Agency for the building of the multi-million dollar rehabilitation centre in Suva, according to local media reports.
Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu made the announcement in parliament.
He said it will take five years to build and final approval for the build, from the South Korean National Assembly, is anticipated in December.
Guam
A high-end housing development project in Guam has been hit with a $US1.7 million fine from the Guam Environmental Protection Agency.
It was due to violations related to a landslide last month that blocked a major road.
Pacific Daily News reported the notice of violation saying the development lacked sediment and erosion controls required by its permits, and it was earthmoving during peak rainy season.
Fiji
Fiji has reported its first-ever non-native fruit fly infestation.
Local media reported the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) has confirmed a population of the bactrocera facialis species in the Yasawa group of islands.
BAF said it poses a serious threat to crops in tropical regions, due to its wide range of host fruits, most notably breadfruit, mango and kavika.
The fly species was reported in New Zealand in 2019, and eradicated the following year.
