A senior police officer in the Western Division is under investigation after allegedly being found in possession of white substances believed to be cocaine and methamphetamine on Tuesday.
Police officers stopped and searched the officer, who was behaving suspiciously inside a vehicle on Tuesday afternoon.
Police discovered two clear plastic bags sealed together inside the pocket of the officer’s pants.
The officer’s police shirt was found on the passenger seat in the back.
He was arrested and escorted to Lautoka Police Station.
Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew confirmed the incident and the ongoing investigation yesterday.
Mr. Chew reiterated that the police force would not tolerate officers caught in possession of illicit drugs. He added that police would not tolerate any breaches of its integrity.
“Investigation is underway, and I have already stated that this type of officer has no place in the Fiji Police Force,” said Mr. Chew.
He added that due process was being followed to ensure the officer is charged and brought before the court.
Mr. Chew had earlier reassured the public of the organization’s commitment to regaining their trust through enhanced transparency and accountability.
He added, there was nothing to hide.
“When a formal complaint is lodged, I give my personal assurance that due processes will be followed with the conduct of an investigation when it involves one of our officers,” he said.
On July 28, Mr. Chew revealed that five police officers had been charged in June with various offenses.
These included money laundering, breach of a domestic violence restraining order, abuse of office, and unlawful possession of illicit drugs.
Minister for Home Affairs
In an earlier interview, Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua acknowledged that while the Fiji Police Force was a reputable organization, there were “rotten apples” who needed to be removed.
Mr. Tikoduadua said the planned major reset of the force would work to transform the organization to better heights.
“There are people who have done things we are not proud of, we need to get rid of those people,” Mr. Tikoduadua said.
“As an organization, Government is responsible for it so that people can be confident in it. The Police have problems, I acknowledge that today,” he said.
“This is one way to reset it, to make it better and we must do something to ensure that the police is fit for its role.”