Kava exports from Fiji have come to an abrupt halt after authorities uncovered a disturbing trend – illicit drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine, concealed within kava packs earlier this month. Praveen Narayan, a reputable exporter from Green Gold Kava, revealed the ban’s imposition, a detail disclosed to RNZ Pacific, emphasizing the severity of the situation and its impact on Fiji’s prized export.
According to Narayan’s statements to RNZ Pacific, his agents had alerted him to the presence of illicit substances in kava shipments, prompting immediate action from the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF). Consequently, attempts to dispatch kava from Nadi were thwarted, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Expressing deep concern over the potential ramifications, Narayan reiterated to RNZ Pacific the urgent need for stringent measures to prevent further inclusion of illicit substances and salvage the reputation of Fiji’s export trade.
In response to the crisis, as outlined in the interview with RNZ Pacific, Narayan detailed the stringent protocols now in place for kava exports. Border and customs authorities have intensified scrutiny, subjecting every shipment to meticulous inspection. Narayan acknowledged the inevitable rise in costs associated with compliance, which threatens to strain the profitability of kava exports.
Furthermore, as highlighted in the interview with RNZ Pacific, Narayan voiced apprehensions about the broader implications of the inclusion scandal. Speculation looms regarding potential restrictions on other powdered agricultural products as authorities redouble efforts to combat drug smuggling.
Amidst the turmoil, Narayan’s resolve, as conveyed in his interview with RNZ Pacific, serves as a beacon of hope in the quest to rebuild the shattered confidence in the country’s export industry.