Regional News

Tuesday, February 09, 2010 - Fiji Times Ltd:

THE Immigration Department is in the process of arranging tickets for nine Asian nationals alleged to be involved in prostitution activities.

Immigration Director, Nemani Vuniwaqa said the flights to Korea and Hong Kong were full.

"I can't tell you when they will be deported but we are looking for available flights," he said.

He said investigations were still continuing.

The Immigration department in a joint operation with police arrested nine Asians in three separate house raids.

The nine, comprising of seven Chinese females and two Chinese males were arrested on Friday night.

He said the nine were in custody following raids at Nailevu Road, Lekutu and Thompson streets on Friday.

He said their surveillance over a one month period confirmed the involvement of prostitution and prostitution related activities.

"All arrested persons have breached the terms of their visa and are currently being detained awaiting deportation to their country," he said.

Major Vuniwaqa did not say if further raids would be carried out.