The Ministry of Policing states that the Government disagrees with calls for the appointment of an expatriate Commissioner of Police, and the Government also does not support calls to terminate the Joint Police/Military Operations.
The Ministry says the Fiji Police Force remains firmly committed to human rights, the rule of law, and the principle that no one is above the law.
It acknowledges public concerns raised regarding recent incidents involving members of the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF).
The Government says where police or military personnel act unlawfully, they will be held accountable in accordance with the law, regardless of rank or position.
The Ministry says the independent investigation into the death of Jone Vakarisi is nearing completion, while investigations into the death of Sakiasi Radravu remain ongoing.
It says these investigations must be allowed to proceed thoroughly, independently, and without prejudice.
The Ministry stresses that the Fiji Police Force does not condone corruption, abuse of power, or misconduct.
It says allegations against police officers are treated seriously and acted upon where there is credible evidence.
They say at the same time, due process must be respected, and no officer can be dismissed arbitrarily without lawful disciplinary procedures and the right to be heard.
The Ministry of Policing says the scale and sophistication of illicit drug trafficking and cultivation in Fiji require an all-of-nation response, involving law enforcement agencies, relevant ministries, communities, civil society, faith-based organisations, the vanua, and the private sector.
They say the joint operations have delivered significant results.
More than 74,000 marijuana plants have been uprooted in the Northern Division alone, with cultivators arrested and produced in court.
Seizures of methamphetamine and cocaine continue across the Central, Western, and Eastern Divisions.
The Ministry says these operations are making a real difference in disrupting illicit drug networks however, operational success can never excuse human rights violations.
They say the joint operations must continue lawfully, professionally, and with full accountability.
The Ministry says the Fiji Police Force has demonstrated significant capability under the current Commissioner’s leadership, including the seizure of 4.1 tonnes of methamphetamine and 2.5 tonnes of cocaine, with suspects brought before the courts.
They say had these drugs reached Fiji’s streets, the consequences would have been devastating for families and communities.
The Ministry says the Commissioner has also demonstrated that no one is above the law, overseeing investigations involving individuals at the highest levels of public office where evidence warranted action.
Government remains confident in the Commissioner’s leadership and in the ongoing modernisation of the Force, including the introduction of the Fiji Police Bill 2026, which will strengthen policing powers, investigations, governance, and institutional capability.
Meanwhile Unity Fiji Leader, Savenaca Narube had said during the State of the Economy Dialogue that Fiji needs to appoint an expatriate Commissioner of Police.
