The Fiji Police Force (FPF) is aware that some officers have been acting as informants, tipping off drug suppliers ahead of planned raids.
Speaking at the Governance Training for Melanesian Communities in greater Suva on Monday, Acting Superintendent of Police Patemosi Uawate said the was a need for public cooperation to identify drug networks, while also warning people to exercise caution when sharing sensitive information.
“I believe we are all aware of the drug threat in the country, and we (FPF) don’t have much information on what’s happening on the ground,” Mr Uawate said.
“We request members of the public to reach out if they have any information that could help us dismantle and disrupt these networks, but people have to be wary of officers involved in this illegal activity.
“We bear witness to it, and we won’t deny it.”
Mr Uawate said there had been incidents where suspects were tipped off before raids took place.
“Sometimes we receive tip-offs about a house, or a farm involved in illegal activities; by the time we reach the location, the suspects are already gone,” he explained.
“It’s clear that they were informed by officers.”
He stressed the importance of trusting the right officers when sharing vital information.
“So, when you provide a tip-off, make sure to trust the officer you give that information to.
Further addressing the issue, Mr Uawate reiterated the FPF’s commitment to identifying rogue officers involved in illegal activities, which remains a critical objective in the fight against drugs in the country.
“Some we have apprehended, and it pains us – the loyal officers who work hard day in and day out for the betterment of Fiji – to see these rogue officers undermining our efforts.
“They tarnish the reputation of the force, as well as the reputation of all the hardworking and loyal officers.”
