Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has confirmed that drug exhibits from another case have been missing since March, raising further questions over the management and security of drug evidence in police custody.
Speaking at a press conference today, Mr Tudravu said the matter was a concern to both Government and law enforcement agencies, but defended the decision not to publicly disclose details earlier.
“It is a great concern to all of us. It’s a concern for Government. We as Government departments, we are,” he said.
Mr Tudravu was responding to questions on when police would interview the six persons of interest already identified in the investigation into missing cocaine exhibits linked to the Joshua Rahman matter.
He said police could not disclose all details of an ongoing investigation.
“As I’ve said, the integrity of the investigation is priority to us,” Mr Tudravu said.
He said the changing relationship between police and the media had created an expectation that police should disclose all information about investigations.
“Now, because of the change of the landscape that we are having now, we are opening up to media. There seems to be an understanding now that people need to know everything,” he said.
Mr Tudravu said while police would continue providing information where possible, investigators needed space to conduct their work.
“Some of the investigation, please allow our investigators to do their work. Not all of the things will be letting you know everything,” he said.
His comments come as police investigate the disappearance and alleged tampering of drug exhibits in the Rahman matter.
Police have identified six persons of interest and recorded statements from 27 people as investigators work to establish the chain of custody and timeline surrounding the exhibits.
A dedicated team comprising senior investigators from the Major Crime Unit, Digital Forensic Unit, Anti-Money Laundering Unit and Proceeds of Crime Division has been established.
Mr Tudravu said the Digital Forensic Unit was examining available CCTV footage and biometric records.
On decisions about what information could be released publicly, he said he would take guidance from senior investigators.
“I am for media. I allow our media to relay messages, anything that is coming. But some of the things that we have… after the advice of the Director CID and the Assistant Commissioner Crime, that is where I take my cue,” he said.
