Police, Military unite in fight against illicit drugs

The Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) have agreed to step up joint action against the illicit drug trade, warning that the fight now extends beyond enforcement to countering what they described as damaging false narratives.

The agreement was reached during a meeting today between Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu and RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai at Police Headquarters.

During the briefing, the RFMF leadership was presented with an overview of Fiji’s drug situation and law enforcement efforts between 2022 and 2025, including seizures, investigations and arrests linked to both “white” and “green” drugs.

The Commander was also briefed on internal safeguards within the Police Force following allegations of officer involvement in the illicit trade.

Commissioner Tudravu said the drug situation in Fiji was “controllable and manageable”, pushing back against what he described as exaggerated public narratives fueled by misinformation on social media.

Brigadier General Kalouniwai supported that assessment, saying the challenge was no longer just a war on drugs but also “a war on narratives”, driven by individuals spreading false claims for self-interest, damaging public confidence in both the police and the country.

Despite the criticism, the RFMF Commander acknowledged ongoing enforcement successes, noting that joint operations had prevented significant quantities of drugs from reaching communities.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to supporting police operations, citing shared challenges such as limited resources, and stressed the need for stronger intelligence sharing and coordinated planning.

Both institutions agreed to convene a joint planning meeting later this week to strengthen collaboration, improve intelligence exchange and explore ways to reinforce community policing by presenting a united front.

Brigadier General Kalouniwai also acknowledged that allegations against police officers had affected public trust, but stressed that while accountability was necessary, due process and the rule of law must be followed.

He concluded by reaffirming the RFMF’s supporting role, saying a holistic approach was essential to address both internal integrity issues and external threats posed by the illicit drug trade.