“I am very embarrassed and very, very angry …” is the response from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka when asked about the arrest of Counter Narcotics Bureau officers on allegations of unlawful possession of illicit drugs.
The Bureau was established in July 2024 under the then Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration and consisted of selected officers that were seconded from the Fiji Police Force.
Two separate arrests have been made so far this year involving four Bureau officers in connection with methamphetamine, and methamphetamine in solution or “liquid methamphetamine”.
In a statement, Policing Minister Ioane Naivalurua said all current Bureau members would be returned to their original units in the Police Force immediately.
This is the second incident this year involving the bureau, with the first being that of two officers charged and arraigned in May in connection with the unlawful importation of more than four kilograms of methamphetamine that were seized at the Nadi International Airport.
In a statement yesterday, Policing Minister Ioane Naivalurua said all current bureau members are to be immediately released back into the Fiji Police Force.
He said that police officers who betrayed their oath and the trust placed on them would face the full brunt of the law, “just like any other citizen”.
“In our endeavour to improve the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the Counter Narcotics Bureau, all police officers who are currently serving in the bureau will need to return to their units, immediately.
“I commend the Fiji Police Force, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, and the Australian Federal Police for their collaborative efforts in this matter.”
He said a new unit was expected to be fully operational by the end of the current fiscal year.
“The ministry will undertake a proper selection process to identify suitable candidates to join this specialised unit.
“Candidates must have a proven record of integrity, be ethic-solid, resilient and are able to perform professionally in highly strenuous work environment and conditions.”
Mr Naivalurua reassured the public that the majority of police officers continued to serve with honour and integrity.
“I want to reassure the public that the majority of officers are dedicated to protecting our nation and upholding the values of justice, transparency and service.”
Investigations into the alleged involvement of the arrested officers are ongoing.
