Fiji’s Counter Narcotics Bureau (CNB), which was initially established as a standalone entity to tackle drug trafficking and abuse, has been disbanded following a series of troubling incidents involving its officers. According to Pio Tikoduadua, Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, all officers assigned to the CNB underwent a thorough vetting process that included background checks and consultations with the Fiji Police Force and international partners like the Australian Border Force. This rigorous screening aimed to prevent exposure to criminal networks, recognizing the high-risk nature of narcotics enforcement.
The CNB was part of the government’s broader five-year National Countering Illicit Narcotics Strategy (2023–2028). It was intended to function independently, drawing on specialized skills and international collaboration to complement the Fiji Police Force’s efforts against narcotics. However, its mission was severely undermined when two officers were caught with liquid methamphetamine, prompting immediate alarm over integrity and oversight within law enforcement.
In response to these unsettling events, Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu has expressed serious concerns about public trust in law enforcement agencies. This issue is compounded by previous incidents, including methamphetamine smuggling at Nadi International Airport and multiple arrests within the bureau itself, prompting government calls for reform and reviews of the bureau’s operations and structure.
Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua and Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu have been at the forefront of implementing a zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct. Steps are being taken to reassess the bureau’s structure and reinforce integrity standards among law enforcement officers. The planned integration of the CNB’s functions back into the Fiji Police Force reflects an intention to centralize drug enforcement and restore public confidence in the system.
The Fijian government remains committed to restructuring the narcotics enforcement framework to strengthen its fight against drug trafficking while maintaining ethical standards. Through comprehensive reforms and international cooperation, there is hope to enhance transparency, accountability, and credibility within Fiji’s law enforcement agencies. This commitment aims to foster a safer environment for all Fijians by ensuring that efforts to combat narcotics are conducted with the utmost integrity and efficacy.
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