Police clean up underway to deal with compromised cops

As serious concerns are being raised about a compromised Fiji Police Force, including the newly formed Narcotics Bureau, Acting Police Commissioner Aporosa Lutunauga has confirmed that they are in the process of cleaning up the organisation with the new Commissioner.

While speaking during the Fijian Media Association's Meet the Public and the Press session in Labasa, Lutunauga says they have identified the officers involved and have systems and processes within the Force through which these officers have been charged and taken to court.

He says they have also appointed an Assistant Commissioner of Police for Internal Affairs and Professional Standards to show that they are sincere in their efforts.

While highlighting that nine tonnes of marijuana worth $79 million have been uprooted, and 4.9kg of methamphetamine and cocaine valued at $2.4 million have been seized over the last 3 months, Lutunauga confirms that a fusion centre is being developed to coordinate all agencies combating drug crimes.

He is urging the public to share information to help identify offenders.

Lutunauga adds that the fourth wave of Operation Sasamaki is underway, and they will continue to dismantle, disrupt, and destroy drug farms in Fiji.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad says they are also in the process of reviewing the laws so that penalties and the process of dealing with offenders swiftly are being addressed.

He says he announced a number of measures in the 2025–2026 National Budget, including new requirements for sole traders to declare their assets to ensure there is no illicit wealth derived from drugs.

Professor Prasad says they have also provided additional funding of $40 million for the recruitment of more police officers.

He further states that all containers arriving from overseas will now undergo full x-ray screening as part of efforts to detect and prevent the smuggling of drugs and other illicit items into the country.

The Deputy Prime Minister says these issues are being addressed at the border, within the Police Force, and across different agencies such as FRCS, Customs, and Immigration.

He says this is why people are now being caught and drug busts are occurring.