Police to probe 'politicians link' to $2b meth bust

Police will widen their investigation into possible links between local politicians and Fiji's largest drug seizure the $2 billion methamphetamine bust in Nadi last year amid growing public concern over political involvement in the trade.

Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu has confirmed that further investigations will be made into the role of politicians who may have provided services that enabled the efficient movement of illicit drugs in and out of the country.

While Mr Tudravu declined to make specific comments as the case remains before the court, he said police had plans to explore these links once court processes were complete.

On Friday, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said there was no evidence implicating current Government MPs in the drug trade, but he did not rule out the possible involvement of politicians from the former administration.

"None of the current Government caucus members have been examined or investigated for drug-related offences, however; I don't know about the previous regime members," Mr Rabuka said.

He stressed that in the absence of legal provisions for mandatory drug testing Government could not carry out such tests on MPs or any other individuals without the appropriate legal framework.

"We are only subject to the same rules that apply to the public," he said

"There is no compulsory testing yet in Fiji, but it's up to the police to continue their investigations, and if they have leads that point towards MPs, I hope they would follow those."

Opposition MP Jone Usamate dismissed suggestions that a politician opening a business now connected to a drug suspect amounted to complicity.

"If the guy is a drug seller and I'm opening his business, (that) means I'm in cahoots with him? That's far fetched," Mr Usamate said.

"All governments support small and medium enterprises. That's what we do."

He said ministers frequently opened businesses to encourage local entrepreneurship, and retrospective links to criminal activity did not mean there was prior knowledge or involvement.

"That business was a legitimate car wash at the time; it was only later found to be connected to someone charged for drugs," Mr Usamate said.

"If there's evidence, bring it. But don't make slanderous connections without proof."

The Government is facing increased calls for transparency, especially as concerns grow about Fiji's vulnerability as a drug transit hub in the Pacific.

The PM reiterated that all investigations must remain in the hands of law enforcement and that any allegations should be backed by evidence.