SUVA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Fiji police seized 31 bars of cocaine with an estimated value of 31 million Fijian dollars (about 14 million U.S dollars) on an island in the Lau group of islands, eastern part of Fiji this week.

Fiji's Commissioner of Police Sitiveni Qiliho confirmed on Friday that the drugs were now in Fijian police custody.

"The drugs are now in our custody and we will be working closely with the Fiji Navy and Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) throughout the investigation process," Qiliho said.

According to local media reports, the major discovery was initiated when the FRCS was tipped off that there were bars found on an island in Lau believed to contain illicit drugs.

A joint operation by the FRCS, Fijian police and the Fiji navy led to the bust.

FRCS said the bars weighing 40 kg were tested and confirmed to be cocaine.

Fiji launched its Coast Watch initiative in January this year. It is a new partnership by FRCS in conjunction with maritime communities to increase awareness and address security in maritime coastal communities.

Through the program, FRCS partners with villages to monitor and report illegal or suspicious activities along sea and shorelines.?