Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua says military and police personnel who collaborate with international drug syndicates have become “enemies of the state” as transnational criminal networks deepen their presence in Fiji.
In an interview with the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), Mr Tikoduadua warned that global narcotics syndicates, including South American cartels, Asian triads and Australian street gangs, were increasingly operating through Fiji and arming themselves to protect their operations.
He said two attempted raids on Republic of Fiji Military Forces armouries last month highlighted the seriousness of the threat.
“It was an important event indicating to the nation and the government and the people that these guys are serious about their business,” he told OCCRP.
“They’re narcotics syndicates, and narcos come with arms and ammunition, obviously, to protect whatever they have.”
Mr Tikoduadua said intelligence indicated some former soldiers had joined organised criminal groups involved in the illicit drug trade.
“We know that some of them work for some of these syndicates,” he said.
“If one goes on to work against the very security that they are supposed to hold, then they become enemies of the state.”
The Defence Minister declined to comment on the death of Jone Vakirisi, a suspect detained following one of the attempted armoury break-ins who later died in military custody. Police have confirmed they are investigating the death as a murder case.
However, Mr Tikoduadua confirmed there was an ongoing military investigation into at least one soldier allegedly linked to the attempted raids.
His comments come amid growing concerns over corruption and collusion within Fiji’s security forces.
Last year, alleged leaked conversations between police officers and criminals circulated widely on social media. The messages appeared to show senior anti-narcotics officers discussing ways to sabotage raids, plant evidence and coordinate with criminal figures.
Police recently confirmed investigations into the leaked messages had been completed and referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for independent legal advice.
“There is great concern that service personnel, both blue and green, have been compromised,” Mr Tikoduadua said, referring to police and military officers.
“Our situation is not unredeemable. There is only a few rotten eggs. The solution is to pluck them out.”
The warnings come as Fiji continues to record major drug interceptions.
In 2024, authorities seized 4.5 metric tonnes of methamphetamine in Nadi allegedly linked to Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel and destined for Australia.
Earlier this year, police intercepted 2.6 metric tonnes of cocaine on Fiji’s main island after it was allegedly unloaded from a so-called narco-submarine.
Sixteen people, including four Ecuadorians, were arrested in connection with the operation.
