Police will not seek return of 2006 seized ammunition

The Fiji Police Force will not seek the return of ammunition seized in 2006 by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF).

Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu said officers would continue tackling the country’s growing drug problem without reclaiming the rounds taken during the 2006 military takeover.

“We are not going to ask for the return of what was seized,” Mr Tudravu said in response to questions from this masthead about the seized guns.

The ammunition was seized from police armouries in December 2006 following a directive by then military commander Voreqe Bainimarama during the military takeover, amid concerns about potential threats to military personnel. 

The rounds were taken from the Nasinu armoury at the Police Tactical Response Unit headquarters, now known as the Police Mobile Force, and from the Nasova Police Academy.

The police commissioner at the time was Andrew Hughes. 

Mr Tudravu’s comments align with RFMF Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, who has ruled out the use of guns while pledging the military’s support in the fight against illicit drugs. 

Meanwhile, debate over how far Fiji should go in its fight against drugs emerged during consultations on the proposed Counter Narcotics Bill yesterday at Suva’s Civic Centre. 

One participant called for the deployment of the military and the introduction of the death penalty. 

However, Mr Tudravu said the safety of police officers remained a priority and additional military assistance would be sought if risk assessments showed a threat to officers on the ground. 

He said police would not dwell on the past but focus on unity in addressing the drug crisis. 

“We must move forward together, united in our commitment to tackling the illicit drug trade. A whole-of-nation approach is needed,” the commissioner said.