Acting Commissioner of Police Aporosa Lutunauga has confirmed some police officers have been found working with criminals.
Mr Lutunauga said these included officers from the newly-formed narcotic bureau.
“Internal processes are in place to deal with such cases, and once identified, those officers are interviewed, investigated, and removed if necessary,” he said.
He told the recent Meet the Press and Public forum in Labasa some officers have already been charged and sentenced, and the clean-up process is continuing.
“To strengthen internal accountability, the force has introduced a new strategic plan under the leadership of the Police Commissioner.
“This includes the appointment of an independent Assistant Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Professional Standards.
He said the police were committed to restoring trust.
“We will continue to clean up our organisation.”
In response, Finance Minister Prof Biman Prasad said the problem didn’t emerge overnight.
“These drug networks include police, customs, businesses – a wide range of actors,” he said.
While they were in opposition, Prof Prasad said, they called for a national inquiry into the drug problem and it was ignored.
“That neglect has led to the complex web we’re now dismantling. For the first time, the Government has a proper handle on this problem.
“We’re targeting borders, the police and institutions like customs and immigration.”
