A driver has been questioned and released after he was found with dried leaves believed to be marijuana valued at more than $50,000.

The Assistant Police PRO Corporal Josaia Weicavu says the man who was on his way from Lautoka to Suva slowed down near a police check-point in Sigatoka. However, he says the man later sped through the checkpoint. Police gave chase but the man left his vehicle and ran in a bush. He was later apprehended.

According to Corporal Weicavu, police searched his vehicle and found dried leaves worth $50,000. The leaves have been sent to the Koronivia Research Station for tests and police are awaiting the results before laying charges.