Officer Under Fire for Alleged Bribe Over Release of Illicit Drug Suspect

Allegations have surfaced that the Police officer, who allegedly released a prominent businessman charged with possession of illicit drugs earlier this month despite a court order, was paid money.

The accused was ordered by Magistrates Yogesh Prasad on May 14 to be remanded because he failed to produce his sureties, however, he managed to leave the sight of the officer in question for his family home at Kavika Place in Muanikau, Suva.

Police are tight lipped about whether the accused will be charged for escaping lawful custody.

Fiji Sun has been reliably informed that the accused businessman is trying to sort his way through immunity.

However, Assistant Commissioner of Police – Operations, Livai Driu, said the Criminal Investigation Department was investigating the matter of the accused person and the officer.

“When we spoke to the officer in question earlier this month, the officer said he did not release the accused, instead he had left the accused for a short period to obtain a remand warrant,” ACP Driu said.

Police officers are expected to put all accused persons, who are remanded by the court, inside the court cell immediately after their court case.

Meanwhile, a 45-year-old man is in Police custody at the Raiwaqa Police Station following the discovery of 97.6 grams of white crystal believed to be methamphetamine and 52.6 grams of white powder believed to be cocaine inside his home in Raiwai on Tuesday evening.

Police investigation continues.

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