Seven people have been arrested and are in custody for questioning after six drug raids were conducted on Monday in various locations in Vanua Levu.

Police say a total of 861 plants were uprooted and two parcels believed to be marijuana were found.

The raid was conducted by police officers as part of Operation Sasamaki in the Northern Division.

Four reports were recorded at the Savusavu Police Station, one at the Labasa Police Station and one at the Tukavesi Police Station.

Chief of Operations, ACP Rusiate Tudravu said the Fiji Police Force is serious about its campaign to eradicate drugs from the communities.

He said they are adopting a new strategy whereby they want all drug cases to be investigated thoroughly and the suspects to be produced in court as quickly as possible.

He said this will serve as a deterrent to others who are involved in this illegal trade.

Tudravu added previously suspects were released awaiting analysis of the suspected substance which at times would be a lengthy process.

However, Tudravu said the new approach is anticipated to reduce time taken to await confirmation of analysis reports.