Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has vowed to “stand by” his officers as investigations continue into Viber messages alleging seven senior police officers including the head of the Narcotics Bureau are linked to drug operations.
Mr Tudravu said he would not discipline or suspend anyone without hard proof.
“I’ll stand by my men,” he said.
“I don’t support police officers being charged by public opinion without substantial evidence.”
He said the allegations were serious because senior officers were named, but the claims remained unverified.
“At this point in time, it’s still a viber message.
“We are doing our best.”
He said the circulating screenshots had caused trauma within the force and urged the public to avoid jumping to conclusions.
“Anybody can name them – even they can name me.
“These allegations… whether it’s true or false, it taints the image.”
Mr Tudravu confirmed all seven officers mentioned in the circulating messages are under investigation.
“Including him,” he said when asked specifically about the director of Narcotics.
He said police, with AFP support, would track the source of the messages and “get to the bottom of this”.
