Following the incident involving the missing cocaine from an exhibit at the Suva High Court, changes are being implemented and Police are taking proactive steps.
Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga has confirmed this while responding to questions in Parliament on what immediate steps has the Ministry taken to review and upgrade security protocols within the judiciary, including evidence storage and chain-of-custody procedures.
While highlighting other incidents, Turaga says this issue is not new and is showing the magnitude of the problem.
INSERT: Turaga nothing new 29th Sept
When questioned by Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya if a complete and thorough assessment will be conducted on all evidence in the exhibit, Turaga says following the incident, he called a meeting with the Chief Registrar, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Commissioner of Police and Permanent Secretary for Justice and further meetings followed, and changes are now being put in place.
He says Police have taken steps to control exhibits in designated areas, rather than keeping them at individual stations as they did previously.
The Minister also says the judiciary has begun reviewing its protocols for storing, handling, moving and releasing exhibits and other evidence and the Chief Registrar has assessed arrangements across the relevant registries, including storage, records, chain of custody, CCTV coverage and physical security.
He says the assessment aims to identify gaps and determine what additional safeguards are needed.
The Minister says a report is being prepared to set out the required improvements.
Turaga says work to improve security at the criminal registry began yesterday, and is progressing.
The Minister says there were initial delays in procuring and approving IT-related security equipment and systems, but these matters have now progressed.
He says the review is also considering staff responsibilities, incident reporting and regular monitoring.
Turaga says the judiciary will address identified gaps through appropriate administrative measures, including stronger procedures and staff awareness and will continue to document and review concerns and, where necessary, refer them for investigation by the appropriate authorities, while respecting due process and judicial independence.
He has also expressed his disappointment and shock at the missing $31 million worth of cocaine from the Suva Court House.
He says the Prime Minister was informed this morning, and police investigations are ongoing.
Turaga is asking members to allow that investigation to proceed and promises that no stone will be left unturned, and anyone found responsible will be held accountable.
