Fiji Bolsters Counter Narcotics Bureau After Police Drug Arrests

Lead: Fiji has announced that its Counter Narcotics Bureau will be fully operational by the end of the fiscal year, following the arrest of two police officers for alleged unlawful drug possession.

Nut Graf: The initiative aims to restore public confidence in law enforcement by enforcing stricter recruitment standards and demonstrating that no one is above the law.

Stricter Recruitment to Uphold Integrity

• New officers will be selected based on integrity, professionalism and resilience, replacing current personnel who return to regular duties.
• The formal selection process reflects lessons from recent misconduct, emphasizing rigorous vetting.

Joint Operation and Ongoing Investigations

• The arrests were executed in a coordinated operation by the Fiji Police Force, Fiji Revenue and Customs Service and the Australian Federal Police.
• Forensic testing of the confiscated substances is underway as investigations continue.

Government Appeal for Public Support

• Authorities have urged the Fijian public to back anti-narcotics efforts and report any suspicions of drug-related activity.
• Officials stress that community cooperation is vital to dismantling illicit networks.

Accountability and Next Steps

• Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua reiterated that officers betraying their oath will face the same consequences as any citizen.
• Full operational status of the Counter Narcotics Bureau is expected to enhance Fiji’s capacity to combat substance abuse and trafficking.