A senior police officer in the Western Division is under investigation after allegedly being found with substances believed to be cocaine and methamphetamine on Tuesday.
The officer was stopped and searched by police while behaving suspiciously inside a vehicle on Tuesday afternoon.
During the search, police found two clear plastic bags sealed together inside the officer’s pants pocket. The officer’s police shirt was located on the back passenger seat.
The officer was arrested and taken to the Lautoka Police Station.
Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew confirmed the incident and the ongoing investigation. Mr. Chew emphasized that the police force would not tolerate officers found in possession of illicit drugs or any breaches of its integrity.
“An 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 is being followed to ensure the officer is charged and brought before the court. Mr. Chew reassured the public of the organization’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“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 were charged in June with various offenses, including 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 is a reputable organization, there are “rotten apples” that need to be removed.
Mr. Tikoduadua said the planned major reset of the force aims 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, the Government is responsible for ensuring 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 are fit for their role.”