Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua says allegations that police vehicles are being used in drug-related activities are serious and must be properly verified before any conclusions are made.
The allegations emerged during the Lami Women’s Forum yesterday, raising fresh concerns about possible corruption within the police force.
Responding to questions by fijivillage News, Naivalurua says the matter was revealed by a senior officer and if officers become aware of such claims, there are proper channels that need to be followed.
He stresses that the allegations should be referred to the Police Commissioner, after which the appropriate processes will be followed.
Meanwhile, Naivalurua has also confirmed that he will look into concerns raised regarding mandatory drug testing within the police force.
This comes after questions were raised about police submissions to the Constitutional Review Committee seeking changes to mandatory drug testing requirements and were told that it can also be addressed at the policy level under the ministry’s oversight.
Naivalurua says voluntary drug testing had already been carried out among Members of Parliament two weeks ago, including Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
He says those who wanted to be tested were able to do so, and it was a simple process.
However, he says while many people believe everyone should be tested, individual rights must also be respected.
