Police plan new maritime bases in Lakeba, Savusavu, Levuka and Denarau

The Ministry of Policing is seeking funding for new patrol boats and four maritime bases as it moves to strengthen Fiji's ability to combat drug trafficking across its vast ocean territory.

Permanent Secretary Berenado Daveta revealed the proposal on the sidelines of the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva yesterday.

Mr Daveta said Fiji Police remained largely focused on land-based operations despite being responsible for monitoring 1.3 million square kilometres of ocean.

To improve maritime surveillance and enforcement, the ministry has proposed the establishment of full maritime Police bases in Lakeba, Savusavu, Levuka and Denarau.

Under the proposal, Police would patrol Fiji's territorial waters while the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Navy would continue covering the country's outer Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

“We are hoping to secure support for boats and establish full bases in Lakeba, Savusavu, Levuka and Denarau,” Mr Daveta said.

He confirmed the proposals had been submitted for consideration in the 2026–2027 National Budget, which will be announced on June 26.

However, he cautioned that there was no guarantee all requests would be funded.

“It’s like a cake - somebody gets a bigger piece, the other will have a smaller piece,” he said.

Mr Daveta also addressed calls for Police officers to be armed, saying the ministry did not consider it necessary at this stage.

He noted that the authority to arm officers rested with Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu under Section 5 of the Police Act.

On the issue of body cameras, Mr Daveta said the priority remained strengthening ethics and professionalism within the force rather than relying solely on technology.

“Ethics should be threaded into all courses,” Mr Daveta said.