The fight against illicit drugs in Fiji is no longer confined to enforcement operations alone but has expanded into a “war on narratives”, according to the heads of the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.
This view was shared during a joint meeting held at the Fiji Police Headquarters between Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu and RFMF Commander Brigadier General Jone Kalouniwai, where both leaders agreed on the need for closer collaboration to tackle the drug trade and the growing spread of misinformation.
Brigadier General Kalouniwai said that based on briefings received during the meeting, it was evident that false narratives circulating on social media were undermining public confidence and distorting the realities of law enforcement efforts.
“The fight is no longer limited to a war on drugs, but also a war on narratives,” Kalouniwai said.
He warned that some individuals were intentionally spreading misleading information to advance personal interests, with damaging consequences for public trust in the Fiji Police Force and the country as a whole.
Commissioner Tudravu echoed these concerns, saying public perceptions had been influenced by disinformation online.
He maintained that, contrary to some claims, the drug situation in Fiji remains “controllable and manageable”.
During the meeting, the RFMF delegation was briefed on drug enforcement efforts between 2022 and 2025, including seizures, investigations and arrests linked to both white and green drugs.
The briefing also covered institutional safeguards within the police force, addressing allegations of police involvement in the illicit trade.
The RFMF Commander acknowledged successful operations that have prevented large volumes of drugs from entering communities and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to supporting police efforts, despite shared resource limitations.
Both forces agreed to hold a joint planning meeting this week to strengthen intelligence sharing, improve coordination and support community policing initiatives.
While acknowledging calls for immediate disciplinary action against officers facing allegations, Brigadier General Kalouniwai stressed the importance of due process and adherence to the rule of law, noting that a holistic approach is essential in addressing both operational challenges and public perception in the ongoing fight against drugs.
