Police bureau overhaul

All police officers under the Counter Narcotics Bureau have been ordered to return to their units within the Fiji Police Force immediately as the Ministry of Policing undertakes a complete overhaul of the specialised unit.

This was announced by the Minister for Policing, Ioane Naivalurua following the arrest of two police officers in Suva last week for alleged unlawful possession of illicit drugs.

They are expected to appear in court today.

“All police officers who are currently serving in the bureau will need to return to their units, immediately,” Mr Naivalurua said.

He said the Ministry would undertake a proper selection process to identify suitable candidates to join the specialised unit as part of efforts to improve operational effectiveness and efficiency.

“Candidates must have a proven record of integrity, be ethic-solid, resilient and are able to perform professionally in highly strenuous work environment and conditions,” he said.

The Counter Narcotics Bureau is currently being developed and is anticipated to be in full operations by the end of this fiscal year.

The announcement comes after the Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu confirmed that the two suspects who were arrested for alleged unlawful possession of illicit drugs in Suva were police officers.

The arrests were made possible through joint efforts between the Fiji Police Force, Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, and the Australian Federal Police.

“Police officers who betray their oath and the trust placed in them by the public will face the full brunt of the law, just like any other citizen,” Mr Naivalurua said.

Laboratory tests conducted by the Fiji Police Forensic and Science Services revealed that the alleged illicit substances were methamphetamine.