Counter narcotics bureau shaken but not disbanded, says Minister

Fiji’s newly established Counter Narcotics Bureau is under major restructuring, but it has not been disbanded, Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalarua has confirmed.

The clarification follows public speculation after all officers were abruptly removed from the unit earlier this month, in the wake of drug-related arrests involving its own staff.

“What has happened is that we have reviewed the unit, and we have realised that the unit needs to be aligned, adjusted, change of the structure, tempo, direction, and above all, a new fitting into the unit,” Mr Naivalarua told reporters.

He likened the overhaul to refitting a home with new furniture, saying some “old and unsuitable” elements had to go.

Bureau Needs Officers With “Strong Ethical Values”

The minister stressed the importance of rebuilding the bureau with officers of integrity.

“The biggest challenge will be selecting the right people that have what we may call strong ethical values, that are able to withstand the challenges of the environment that they will be working,” he said.

“They will not succumb to the temptation of doing something wrong, or something that is bad.”

Permanent Secretary for Policing Berenado Daveta confirmed recruitment will follow open merit rules, with positions advertised publicly.

The Counter Narcotics Bureau—approved by Cabinet in June as part of the National Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023–2028—is expected to be fully operational by the end of the fiscal year.