THE hunt for the original source of viral Viber messages is now central to an investigation into allegations that serving police officers are linked to the illicit drug trade.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said this after confirming that a full digital forensic analysis had been completed on devices belonging to the seven officers named in screenshots that circulated widely on social media.
“I can confirm that forensic screening of the implicated officers’ phones has been completed using software used by international law enforcement agencies,” he said.
The analysis, conducted with assistance from the Australian Federal Police and United States law enforcement agencies, included the recovery of deleted messages.
However, Mr Tudravu stressed that investigators could not move forward without identifying who first created and distributed the messages.
“Our priority is to find the source.
“That person will give us confirmation and evidence that can stand up in a court of law.”
He also confirmed that a senior detective had travelled to Sydney to record a statement from the individual who uploaded the screenshots, as police worked to trace the originator of the messages.
Mr Tudravu rejected claims that the police force was shielding officers or suppressing investigations.
“We are not going to stop until we get to the truth.
“If there is a link, you are out.
“If the allegation is linked to me, I am out.”
Probe shifts to financial checks
INVESTIGATIONS into alleged police misconduct have entered a second phase, with authorities now examining the financial backgrounds of officers implicated in social media claims.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said phase one of the inquiry involved digital forensic analysis of officers’ devices, while phase two was focused on tracing financial links.
“The second phase is now looking into the financial background of those implicated officers,” he said.
“We are working with other stakeholders to do that.”
The commissioner confirmed that this phase was already underway and involved multiple agencies, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations.
“Our investigators are progressing this.
“We are trying to get to the bottom of all this.
He reiterated that arrests or removals could only be made once evidence met legal thresholds.
“We can only proceed with evidence that can stand in a court of law.
Commissioner Tudravu said pressure from social media narratives would not dictate police actions.
“I will not remove people from office based on a Viber message alone. That fear culture must stop.”
He acknowledged public scepticism but urged patience.
“Investigations take time.
“But all allegations will be taken seriously, and due process will be followed.”
The Commissioner said the integrity of the police force depended on establishing facts, not reacting to online speculation.
