Minister for Policing Iowane Naivalurua says the recent death of a young police officer has reinforced the nation’s resolve to confront the cultivation and trafficking of illicit drugs in Fiji.
Speaking this morning at the National Talanoa Session on Responding to Illicit Drugs in Fiji, Mr Naivalurua paid tribute to a 25-year-old officer from the Lami Police Station who died while on active duty,
“Just days ago, we lost a young officer of the Lami Police Station, not far from here,” Mr Naivalurua said.
“His passing has brought deep sadness to the force and to the nation, but it has also reinforced and invigorated our whole-of-nation unity to curb the cultivation and trafficking of illicit drugs in Fiji.”
Out of respect for the ongoing investigation, the minister said he would not speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident. However, he acknowledged the service and sacrifice of the late officer.
“He served Fiji with honour and commitment and will always be remembered,” Mr Naivalurua said. “May his sacrifice strengthen our resolve.”
The minister assured the public that a full investigation is underway.
“Let me state clearly this morning, the Fiji Police Force is conducting a thorough and professional investigation,” he said. “Every lawful resource is being deployed.”
Mr Naivalurua stressed that accountability would be pursued wherever it leads.
“Those responsible, wherever they may be, will be identified, arrested and will face the full weight of the law,” he said. “Justice will take its own course.”
He said ensuring justice was a responsibility owed not only to the officer’s family, but also to his colleagues and the wider community.
“We owe that to his family. We owe that to his colleagues. And we owe that to the people of Fiji,” Mr Naivalurua said.
The national talanoa session brought together government agencies, community leaders and stakeholders to discuss coordinated responses to the growing threat posed by illicit drugs in Fiji.
