As the war on drugs deepens, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu says investigators are following the money to cut off the financial lifeline of Fiji’s narcotics networks.
In a press conference yesterday, he said the Fiji Police Force was working with local and international partners to “disrupt, destroy and dismantle” the drug trade by targeting profits derived from criminal activities.
“We are cutting the supply chain from the source and, as part of that process, we are now following the money trail,” he said.
“It’s a process that takes time, but we are collaborating with other institutions, including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, to ensure criminals do not profit from their crimes.”
Mr Tudravu said the Anti-Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Units were now central to the country’s drug enforcement strategy.
“The teams are analysing assets and transactions linked to suspects. We are not only seizing the drugs but going after the proceeds that keep the trade alive.”
He said international assistance had been sought to strengthen investigations.
Mr Tudravu acknowledged that the work was slow and complex but said investigators were making progress.
“If people say we are not quick in getting the big fish, I can confirm it’s not easy. But we are getting there, step by step.”
He urged patience and public support, saying police were determined to “completely destroy the networks” driving the country’s drug problem.
“We just need time and trust to do our work,” he said.
Force widens drug probe
THE Fiji Police Force has confirmed that investigations into drug-related activities are widening, with support from overseas counterparts.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said the work involved tracing assets and following communication trails linked to organised groups, including Asian nationals.
“The investigation has widened,” he said.
“We began from the source, both white and green substances and our teams are now pursuing assets and analysing communication data.”
He said international assistance was being used to extract messages and analyse phone data.
“We are involving technology and working with our counterparts overseas.
“This process takes time but is yielding results.”
Mr Tudravu cautioned that catching major figures in the drug trade was complex.
“If people say we are not quick in getting the big fish, I can confirm it’s not easy.
We are getting there, step by step.”
He said police analysts were examining drug-related cases from the Western Division and that the results would “unearth a lot of things”.
“Our effort is to identify, tackle, and completely destroy the networks that are operating.
“We are heading there; we just need time and support for our officers to do their work.”
‘Morale high’ following multiple seizures
POLICE morale has improved as officers commit to intensifying the war on drugs and targeting criminal finances linked to narcotics.
In a press conference yesterday, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said the force was determined to “disrupt, destroy, dismantle and destabilise” the illicit drug trade.
“We are witnessing progress through multiple raids and seizures of both white and green drugs,” he said.
“We are cutting supply chains from the source and, as part of that process, following the money trail.”
He said the Anti-Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Units were working with other institutions and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to trace financial gains from drug activities.
“It’s a process that takes time, but we are collaborating with our counterparts to ensure criminals do not profit from their crimes.”
Mr Tudravu said morale across the organisation was “high” and officers were focused on operational duties.
“The force is stabilising, and we are regaining public trust and confidence through professional and reliable service delivery.”
He added that leadership teams had been instructed to maintain discipline and support officers’ wellbeing.
“Our supervisors play a key role in maintaining focus and morale.”
“They must ensure that officers, particularly those returning from the Counter Narcotics Bureau, remain committed to their duties.”
Narco officers back in blue
THIRTY-NINE police officers who were seconded to the Counter Narcotics Bureau have officially rejoined the Fiji Police Force following a reintegration program at the Police Mobile Force.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said the officers underwent extensive counselling and briefings led by senior unit heads before taking up new postings last week.
“They went as police officers and have returned as police officers,” he said.
“They have apologised for what happened in the past and have pledged to serve professionally.”
He said the bureau itself was under review to ensure proper alignment with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“We will work with the ministry to ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities for officers involved.”
While acknowledging challenges in the illicit drug investigations, Mr Tudravu said the force remained focused on cutting supply chains and dismantling criminal networks.
He said the reintegration of the returning officers did not affect the overall efficiency of the force.
“They have been posted to various units and are performing their duties diligently,” he
said.
