Nadi, FIJI — Two local men are reportedly being questioned after a 3.5 ton methamphetamine bust in Fiji earlier this week, as police probe the origins and destination of the drugs.

The drugs were found in a small, unfinished home in a quiet community near the nation's main international airport. It has been called one of the country's biggest ever drug busts.

Police are also looking into claims the drugs were bound for Australia, with the Home Affairs minister saying "a whole lot of people" were involved.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) declined to comment if they had any involvement in the raid, or if they were in contact with their Fijian counterparts.

"This is a Fiji Police Force operation," AFP said in reply to questions from RNZ Pacific.

Acting Fiji police commissioner Juki Fong Chew did not provide further details.

He told RNZ Pacific police were "in the initial stage of investigations", saying questions about the origin and destination would be answered "as we proceed along.”

However, assistant commissioner for crime Mesake Waqa told local radio broadcaster fijivillage.com police were looking at "information received that the large drug consignment was destined for Australia".

He added police were "not ruling out the allegation that some police and customs officers may be involved in the drug operation".

Waqa on Tuesday said an investigation was also looking into whether prominent figures and some people linked to pharmaceutical companies were connected to the shipment.

The drugs, in nearly 800 medium size-containers and wrapped in brown tape, were found at "an incomplete corrugated iron home in a quiet neighbourhood in Voivoi, Legalega in Nadi", The Fiji Times reported.

A community elder and retired school teacher, Abhiram, told the newspaper: "This is a peaceful, crime-free neighborhood, nothing of this sort happens here."

NETWORK' OF PEOPLE INVOLVED

Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua has said strengthening Fiji's border security was now a top priority.

"How do you stay ahead so that you don't get surprised?" Tikoduadua said.

"It's normal that things pass through, but why does three tons pass through? That is big. How did it ever get to Nadi?" he said to local journalists.

"There's a whole lot of people that are handling that, and that's the extent of this network."

INVESTIGATIONS CONTINUE

Fiji Police acting commissioner Juki Fong Chew said via email "we are in the initial stage of the investigation".

He did not respond to questions about the people involved, whether any arrests were made, or where the drugs originated and its destination.

"As we proceed along, the questions you have raised may be answered," he said.

However, Home Affairs minster Pio Tikoduadua told local journalists on Monday that people of interest have been questioned, including the involvement of local businesses and 'prominent figures and officials’.

A spokesperson from the Australian Federal Police also confirmed: "This is a Fiji Police Force operation."

"All enquiries should be directed to the Fiji Police Force."