Naivalurua acknowledges AFP support in disrupting drug networks

Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua has acknowledged the support of the Australian Federal Police, particularly the secondment of AFP officers to support the work of the Counter-Narcotics Bureau and Serious Organised Crime and Intelligence Department.

In his Ministerial Statement, Naivalurua says the secondment has already produced results - leading to seizures, arrests and charges including proceeds of crime.

He says such outcomes show that we are not only intercepting drugs but also dismantling criminal networks and disrupting their financial operations.

The Minister also says that our Pacific waters are increasingly targeted by crime syndicates and Fiji is not immune, but we are not helpless either.

He says through strategic partnerships and enhanced capability, they are ready to respond, as demonstrated by the Fiji Police Force and AFP cooperation.

Naivalurua has also acknowledged that public trust in law enforcement must be earned and maintained.

He says the the Uplift Programme is helping them identify critical areas for improvement.

Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya says public trust in our institutions must be always at optimum level and the Uplift Programme, which aims to improve the operational effectiveness of the Fiji Police Force is also important as it focuses at public trust.

Koya says the Solesolevaki Agreement plays a critical role in fostering collaboration, and one of the most important elements of the Agreement is its focus on identifying and addressing our security vulnerabilities.

He says our partnership with Australia continues to be strong, and this initiative will bring clear benefits to all Fijians.

The MP also says community policing support being provided through this partnership is valuable in our rural communities and schools, where it will help enhance education and safety awareness initiatives.