39 officers apologise to Police Chief after drug bureau recall

The 39 police officers who returned from the Counter Narcotics Bureau formally apologised to Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu in a traditional ceremony before resuming duties last week.

Mr Tudravu revealed today that the officers personally approached him to apologise for what had transpired during their secondment to the bureau.

“When they came back, I spoke to them personally. They came here and offered a traditional apology for what had happened,” he said during a press conference in Suva.

The officers were recalled to the Fiji Police Force in September after two bureau members were arrested for alleged unlawful possession of illicit drugs.

Mr Tudravu clarified that the traditional apology did not exempt the officers from ongoing investigations.

 “That does not take away the investigation that needs to be done,” he clarified.

Before returning to their posts, the 39 officers underwent an extensive pre-integration programme at the Police Mobile Force, which included counselling and briefings by various unit heads.

“They were seconded as police officers and returned as police officers. They have taken up their new postings as of last week,” Mr Tudravu said.

He added that he had spoken at length with the returning officers and reaffirmed his zero-tolerance stance on drug involvement.

“I have talked in length with them and I have reaffirmed my decision in regards to drugs, if you are involved in.

“And they fully understand. They gave their commitment to me,” he said.

Mr Tudravu expressed confidence in the officers’ professionalism.

“I know that they will perform their duties professionally, as expected out of them. But they are already warned, as warning always goes to all police officers. If they breach the law, they’ll face the consequences,” he said.

The Counter Narcotics Bureau is currently undergoing review under the Ministry of Policing.

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