The Government has rejected calls for the appointment of an expatriate Commissioner of Police, saying it remains confident in the leadership of the current Police Commissioner and the Fiji Police Force’s ability to tackle organised crime.
Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube had suggested at a recent State of the Economy Dialogue for an expatriate COMPOL to be brought in.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Policing, the Government said the Fiji Police Force has demonstrated significant capability under the current Commissioner’s leadership, particularly in the fight against illicit drugs.
According to the Ministry, authorities have seized 4.1 tonnes of methamphetamine and 2.5 tonnes of cocaine, with suspects arrested and brought before the courts.
The Government said the impact on Fiji could have been devastating had the drugs reached local communities.
“Had these drugs reached Fiji’s streets, the consequences would have been devastating for families and communities,” the statement said.
The Ministry also defended the Commissioner’s record on accountability, saying investigations had proceeded against individuals at the highest levels of public office when evidence warranted action.
“The Commissioner has also demonstrated that no one is above the law,” the statement said.
The Government said it remained confident in the ongoing modernisation of the Fiji Police Force, including the proposed Fiji Police Bill 2026, which it says will strengthen policing powers, investigations, governance and institutional capability.
The statement comes amid ongoing debate over policing reforms, accountability and the role of security agencies in combating organised crime and illicit drugs.
The Government said strong institutions and public trust remain essential in addressing transnational organised crime, corruption and drug trafficking.
It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Fiji Police Force while maintaining accountability and the rule of law.
