All police officers currently serving in the Fiji Police Force’s narcotics division have been ordered to return to their original units with immediate effect, as part of sweeping reforms to establish the new Counter Narcotics Bureau.
The directive was issued by Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua, who said the move is aimed at ensuring only the most qualified and trusted individuals are selected to lead Fiji’s intensified war on drugs.
The announcement follows the arrest of two serving police officers in the Narcotics Bureau in Suva yesterday for alleged unlawful possession of illicit drugs.
“This is a critical step in improving the operational effectiveness and integrity of the new Bureau,” said Mr Naivalurua.
“We will undertake a proper and thorough selection process to identify officers who have a proven record of integrity, are ethically solid, resilient, and capable of operating in highly strenuous environments.”
The Bureau, currently under development, is expected to become fully operational by the end of the fiscal year.
It will serve as Fiji’s lead agency in the fight against illicit drugs and will operate independently from the current structure within the Fiji Police Force.
Mr Naivalurua said yesterdays arrests highlighted the urgent need for a clean, competent, and credible narcotics unit.
“This is about restoring public confidence. We cannot have individuals tasked with fighting drugs while being compromised themselves.”
The Minister reaffirmed that no one is above the law and commended the Fiji Police Force, Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, and the Australian Federal Police for their continued partnership in drug enforcement operations.
“This reset of the Bureau is not just an administrative change, it is a commitment to rebuild public trust, remove corruption, and protect our communities from the destructive impact of drugs,” he said.
