The Government has warned that allegations linking police officers to the drug trade will be dealt with through proper due process, amid growing public concern over accountability within the force.
Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua said he takes the allegations seriously and is receiving regular briefings from the Police Commissioner and senior officers on narcotics and organised crime.
“At the outset, I take these allegations very seriously and commit my full support to ensuring that due and proper processes are followed to address the involvement of police officers in the drug trade,” the minister told The Fiji Times.
He says he is in regular communication with senior police leadership on operational and accountability matters.
“Communication with the Commissioner of Police together with Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime and Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations are frequently and regularly conducted, complemented by weekly briefs regarding the FPF’s operational posture on issues and matters relating to national security, including narcotics and the illicit drug trade.”
Mr Naivalurua acknowledged public concern saying allegations can damage confidence in the Fiji Police Force if not properly addressed.
“In terms of concerns regarding measures being taken to ensure accountability, there are allegations and adjudications based on public opinions which may taint the reputation of the FPF,” he said.
However, he said his primary concern is ensuring the integrity of internal systems used to investigate and address such claims.
“My greatest concern is on the integrity of the check system in place to ensure they carry out the responsibility to remove any and all allegation beyond reasonable doubt and to have credibility for the whole system.”
He said maintaining public trust requires investigations to be thorough, credible and free from speculation.
