Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has announced the collaboration with the Australian Federal Police and New Zealand Police to investigate recent drug-related allegations involving senior officers within Fiji’s police force. This declaration came during his address at the 27th Attorney-General’s Conference held at the Sheraton Fiji Golf Resort and Spa in Nadi.
Mr. Tudravu emphasized the seriousness of the situation, responding to concerns about his commitment to addressing the allegations against officers implicated in drug trafficking. He reaffirmed, “The answer, as always, is an affirmative yes, and we are doing that regarding the specific claims against senior officers.”
The police chief revealed that the allegations stem from information sourced from overseas, and he underscored a commitment to uncover the truth. “We want to go further and see who is behind the keyboard giving this information,” he stated, indicating a thorough investigation into the origins of the accusations.
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and Police Headquarters are currently handling the investigation, which is described as active. The police have already seized mobile phones from the officers named in the Viber messages that circulated on social media. Mr. Tudravu confirmed efforts are being made to analyze these devices as part of the ongoing inquiry.
He expressed concerns about the repercussions of false allegations, stating, “You cannot get back what trauma our officers went through.” The commissioner reiterated that if corruption is indeed present within the ranks, it poses a significant challenge to the ongoing fight against the drug trade.
As the investigation unfolds, the police’s determination to uphold integrity and accountability within their ranks reflects a proactive approach aimed at restoring public trust and ensuring that any unlawful activities are addressed. This collaborative effort with international law enforcement illustrates a commitment to tackling drug trade issues comprehensively.
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