Forensic testing is underway after 62 parcels containing "white substances" had either recently washed up or been found across Fiji's Lau Islands.
The Fiji Police Force said 27 parcels in total had washed up, and officers had been sent to collect an additional 35 parcels which were found floating along Munia Island on Thursday afternoon.
Police had made the discovery after the Turaga ni Koro, or mayor, had reported the parcels, which were then taken to Vanua Balavu Police.
Earlier, police said white substances found in sealed clear plastic had tested positive for cocaine. Yesterday morning, a parcel was aslo found washed along the shoreline near a settlement in Qamea.
The parcel was then retrieved, and the instance referred to police.
Efforts were underway to retrieve the remaining packages for testing, and to identify the source and intended destination of the parcels.
Members of the public living along Fiji's coastal areas were encouraged to immediately report any suspicious parcels, and to avoid handling or opening them.
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