Nasirio’s leave not linked to drug investigation, says Lutunauga

Acting Commissioner of Police Aporosa Lutunauga has clarified that the Head of the Organised Crime and Intelligence Department (DOCID), Fisi Nasirio, was sent on annual leave because he had outstanding leave owing.

The clarification follows a Police statement issued yesterday confirming an ongoing investigation into the alleged involvement of seven police officers, including Mr Nasirio, in an illegal drug trade in Fiji in 2024.

Police confirmed that the officers’ mobile phones were seized last week for digital forensic analysis.

Investigators are working with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and New Zealand Police on the case.

ACP Lutunauga said Mr Nasirio’s leave was administrative and had no connection to the investigation.

“As you know, this case, as Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has said, we would like to tread carefully,” ACP Lutunauga said.

“We want to proceed carefully, and if we find evidence, we will take the officers through the systems and processes that we have in place.”

He said the investigation was continuing with the support of the AFP.

ACP Lutunauga added that some senior officers had not taken their annual leave, and the decision was made to have them clear outstanding leave before the next financial year.

“We need credible evidence before we can make decisions on the status of Police officers. This is the rule of law, and we are following the rule of law,” he said.

“We need thorough investigations. If there is evidence, then those involved will face the consequences of their actions.”

As investigations continue, ACP Lutunauga urged the public to trust Police to carry out their duties.