Tudravu directs investigation after allegations made against senior officers aiding drug related activities

Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu has directed an internal investigation be conducted in relation to allegations made against senior officers aiding those involved in the illegal activities.

Following questions raised by fijivillage News, Commissioner Tudravu has also stated that if the allegations turn out to be false, further action will be pursued against the author of the post, as the organisation will not allow social media to be used to unfairly discredit the hard work by officers in trying to disrupt and destabilise those involved in the illicit drug trade.

The Commissioner says the Fiji Police Force will not be held at ransom to those who use social media, to post claims against police officers, and then choose not to cooperate with police.

The Fiji Police Force also notes this to be a trend, in that whenever operations apply pressure on those involved in the illicit drug trade to disrupt their illegal activities, numerous allegations are made against police officers, particularly those heading the operations, including the Commissioner of Police.

The Fiji Police Force is also calling on Alexandra Forwood to lodge an official report and cooperate with police investigations.

Commissioner Tudravu says while the lodging of official reports is encouraged, it must be done in good faith, as false allegations not only impact the officer’s career, but their families who must endure the stress and trauma of seeing their loved one being unfairly branded as corrupt, because of one’s selfish motive.

He stresses that Police maintain a zero-tolerance policy on police officers who are aiding criminal elements to advance their trade, and will pursue investigations and disciplinary action, when an official report is lodged.

Tudravu says the organisation is committed to curbing the illicit trade and notes that such tactics are used to divert attention from the intent of disrupting those involved, but will not be easily swayed, as the focus remains on ensuring our communities are protected from the harmful impacts of the illicit drug trade.