Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua has acknowledged that a small number of “rotten apples” have damaged the reputation of the Fiji Police Force, but emphasized that the majority of officers are commendable.
Speaking on The Lens@177, Tikoduadua noted that actions have been taken against these problematic officers, with some facing arrests and court proceedings. He reassured that the bulk of the police force remains dutiful and good.
Tikoduadua dismissed rumors that the Counter Narcotics Bureau was created due to mistrust in the police’s ability to handle drug-related issues. He highlighted that drug-related crimes are a significant global and transnational issue, which has deeply impacted Fiji due to previous inaction.
He clarified that the establishment of the Counter Narcotics Bureau was a strategic move by the government to create a specialized authority for tackling narcotics. This initiative is not intended to duplicate police efforts but to enhance capabilities in addressing the magnitude of drug-related challenges.
Tikoduadua added that the police remain integral to the bureau, explaining that there will be coordination between the two authorities to avoid operational conflicts and ensure they complement each other’s work. He mentioned the implementation of a standard operating procedure to facilitate this cooperation.
While he acknowledged the initial $2 million funding for the bureau as a positive step, Tikoduadua stated that more resources would be beneficial. However, he stressed that the ultimate solution lies in community engagement to curb drug consumption, which could eventually reduce the need for the bureau’s work.