The arrest of four police officers attached to the Counter Narcotics Bureau (CNB) is not a sign of failure but proof that the system is working, says Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya.
Speaking in Parliament today, Mr Koya said the arrests should be seen as a demonstration of internal accountability and a positive step towards restoring public confidence in the bureau.
“The fact that there were people in the bureau who got caught says the bureau is working. They caught their own. It doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing — it just needs strengthening,” Mr Koya told Parliament.
His remarks came after Minister for Policing Iowane Naivalurua reaffirmed that the CNB is not being abolished, despite speculation following the arrests.
AInstead, he announced plans to rebuild the bureau, starting with a merit-based, open recruitment process and new legislation.
“The arrests highlight the urgency of establishing this bureau properly, professionally staffed, managed with integrity, and operating on a strong legal foundation,” Naivalurua said.
The four officers involved have since been returned to their original police units. The restructuring of the bureau will be supported by the $1.9 billion budget allocated for this financial year.
Naivalurua confirmed that a draft bill to formalise the CNB is currently with the Solicitor-General’s Office, with the legislation expected to be ready
