Nadi leaders back Police after viral drug‑related arrest

Calls for balanced reporting and public co‑operation have intensified after a controversial drug‑related arrest in Nadi.

Two police officers on patrol in Nadi last Saturday saw two men acting suspiciously and approached them. One man fled the scene.

Police said the suspect seen in a video circulating on social media was allegedly found with several sachets of dried leaves believed to be marijuana on him.

The suspect refused to co‑operate with the police officers, which led to the incident that was captured on video.

President of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lawrence Kumar, has urged social media users to act responsibly and present both sides of incidents involving law enforcement.

Mr Kumar said recent online narratives surrounding the arrest unfairly portrayed police as aggressors while ignoring the broader context of alleged criminal activity.

“We need proper police reporting on this. Social media users cannot be biased,” he said.

He stressed that the individual involved was a person of interest in alleged drug‑related activities and warned against prematurely casting suspects as victims.

“The Nadi Police did not do anything wrong. They are trying to maintain safety in our town and tackle what is clearly a growing drug crisis,” he said.

Mr Kumar said the business community stood firmly behind police efforts.

“Nadi is a tourism hub. We must put our full support behind the police to ensure safety for everyone.”

National Senior Citizens chairman Vineel Nand echoed the call for balance, while emphasising accountability and respect for human rights.

Mr Nand said that while police face difficult and often dangerous situations, public trust depends on professionalism and transparency.

“The rule of law must always be upheld with restraint and respect. At the same time, resisting police only escalates situations unnecessarily,” he said.

He called for public cooperation alongside fair and transparent review processes.

Meanwhile, Police confirmed that the actions of the two officers involved in the arrest would be assessed.

Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said the incident highlighted the challenges officers face when suspects refuse to cooperate.

“Officers are trained to use reasonable force, but situations can change rapidly,” Mr Tudravu said.

The Commissioner reiterated that excessive force would not be tolerated and urged the public to comply with lawful instructions to avoid escalation.

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