Every officer seconded to Fiji’s now-disbanded Counter Narcotics Bureau (CNB) went through a rigorous screening process before taking up the role, says Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs Pio Tikoduadua.
“When the Counter Narcotics Bureau was established in June 2024, all officers seconded to the unit underwent a thorough vetting process,” Mr Tikoduadua said.
“This involved a job evaluation exercise to determine suitability, a second round of background checks, and consultations with the Fiji Police Force, the Australian Border Force, and other partners to ensure robust oversight.
“These measures were taken because we were aware that officers dealing with narcotics enforcement are at heightened risk of being exposed to or involved in criminal networks.”
The bureau was set up under the Ministry of Defence as part of government’s five-year National Countering Illicit Narcotics Strategy (2023–2028).
The minister said the bureau was designed as a stand-alone entity focused solely on narcotics, complementing the Fiji Police Force while drawing on defence expertise, specialist skills, and international partnerships to tackle trafficking and drug abuse.
The bureau was shut down last week after two of its officers were found in possession of liquid methamphetamine.
Meanwhile, the Leader of Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, has since raised concerns about integrity and oversight within law enforcement, calling the development a serious breach of public trust.
