There is currently no evidence linking the recent discovery of five bodies in less than a month to drugs or organised criminal networks.
This has been confirmed by Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu during a press conference at Police Headquarters today, who addressed growing public concern surrounding the deaths, noting that the victims were young people and some bodies were found partially decomposed.
Tudravu says post-mortem examinations that have been conducted so far have not indicated any links to drug use or criminal activity.
Tudravu says autopsy reports have been completed in some cases, while others are still undergoing post-mortem examinations.
He stresses that if any evidence emerges from these reports pointing to drugs or criminal networks, police will inform the public.
The Commissioner also revealed that not all of the individuals found deceased had been reported missing to police prior to their discovery.
He says this has highlighted challenges within the Fiji Police Force, including the absence of dedicated teams focused solely on missing persons.
He is calling on families and communities to take a more active role in reporting and searching for missing persons, rather than leaving the responsibility entirely to police.
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Addressing concerns over forensic capacity, Tudravu acknowledged the increasing number of cases being handled by police, both locally and in the region.
He says the issue of resources and equipment within the forensics department will be discussed in the next budget session.
While dismissing claims that Fiji’s forensic capabilities are outdated, Tudravu says there is a need to better equip officers to maintain efficiency and accuracy in investigations.
