The arrest of high-profile criminals and the continuous drug confiscation at farm levels are indicators that the normal operations of the Fiji Police Force are continuing as usual.

Police officers are at the forefront of all enforcement required under the current COVID containment measures and are also expected to do their normal operations in curbing crime and keeping the public safe.

Chief operations officer Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdul Khan said it was tough and required each and every officer to step up but so far the police had been successful in doing both.

“Our continuous raids on drug farms in Tukavesi and Kadavu are indicators that we have not stopped our normal operations,” he said.

“Further to that, we have arrested people who have thought that they could take advantage of the COVID situation and commit crimes.

“This includes the arrest of Shalendra Sen Sinha and other known criminals for their alleged involvement in burglaries and break-ins.”

He said policing duties were inclusive of all required tasks.

He said the police have never been busier and their presence is required in the highlands, to the maritime zones, in towns,  settlements at station level and on the highway.

Mr Khan highlighted that community had so far been good and that is what was needed to ensure that the rule of law prevailed.

Police officers are pulling 12-hour shifts at checkpoints and have the added task of policing.

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