Former acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew says drug criminal networks continue to stay ahead of law enforcement agencies because they operate outside systems, procedures and financial restrictions.
In a letter to The Fiji Times, Mr Fong Chew compared the operational structures of drug syndicates and law enforcement agencies, describing the ongoing battle as a “cat and mouse chase”.
“These are two networks that work within its respective systems and processes,” he wrote.
Mr Fong Chew said criminal drug networks operated largely on trust and moved quickly because they had immediate access to funding and resources.
“Drug criminal networks do not follow any system and process, it only works on trust to have its business accomplished,” he stated.
“If trust is breached then elimination by death is enforced.”
He said finances within drug syndicates were readily available, allowing operations to be executed rapidly.
“Business is executed faster as finance is always available,” he said.
Mr Fong Chew added that people involved in such criminal networks were often experts in their respective roles and had access to resources at all times.
He also warned that criminal operations were being carried out through infiltration into law enforcement systems.
“Operations are executed with infiltration to the law enforcement network,” he claimed.
In contrast, Mr Fong Chew said law enforcement agencies were bound by due process, budgetary approvals and accountability requirements.
“On the other side is the law enforcement network which works within a system and process whereby due diligence is required all the time,” he wrote.
He said funding for operations required approvals and acquittals under financial guidelines, slowing operational responses.
“They work within a laid down budget and to access these funds requires justification before being endorsed and funds released,” he said.
According to Mr Fong Chew, police leadership were often briefed before operations were carried out, but by the time raids or enforcement actions were executed, criminal networks had already moved ahead.
“The drug network is already miles ahead with its intent and execution,” he stated.
Mr Fong Chew said both systems had shortcomings that needed constant review to improve effectiveness.
“Hoping the relevant authorities will review its modus operandi and make adjustments accordingly,” he wrote.
