Former Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry has voiced concerns over the recent drug importation cases implicating officers from the Counter Narcotics Bureau, suggesting systemic problems within the country’s law enforcement leadership. The Bureau was set up by the Coalition Government, but recent allegations have overshadowed its mission, questioning its integrity at a fundamental level.
In May, two bureau officers were charged for unlawful methamphetamine importation. Recently, two more officers were caught allegedly transporting liquid methamphetamine. Chaudhry sees this as evidence of deep-rooted corruption within the system, suggesting others may be complicit. He criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s decision to disband the bureau, arguing police involvement in the drug trade undermines any attempt to revert drug control back to them.
Prime Minister Rabuka expressed his anger and embarrassment over the scandal, yet Chaudhry accuses him of inaction in addressing corruption within his own administration, highlighting the unresolved Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommendations. Chaudhry maintains that Rabuka’s failure to uphold the rule of law sends negative signals nationwide and undermines public trust.
These developments follow the recent history of the Counter Narcotics Bureau experiencing internal corruption, shedding light on broader issues faced by Fiji in dealing with drug-related crimes and institutional integrity. The Prime Minister’s previous response included disbanding the troubled unit and insisting on accountability, actions that reflected immediate steps towards addressing these challenges.
However, the incidents reflect deeper systemic issues within law enforcement that need addressing beyond temporary measures. A rigorous overhaul of both personnel and processes may be essential to rebuild public trust. The government now faces a crucial moment to demonstrate transparency and restore integrity within its ranks, underscoring a broader commitment to combat drug trafficking and other criminal activities in the nation.
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