There are no breathalyzer test machines in the country at the moment, and the Fiji Police Force confirms it is doing manual alcohol testing for now until all the kits return after calibration from overseas.
This has come to light following concerns raised by a driver during an accident at 6.30am on Sunday morning at the junction of Wailoku along Princes Road.
Eyewitnesses say the driver allegedly at fault who had hit the other vehicle, quickly moved from the driver's seat, and a woman in the car sat in the driver's seat, and then another man in the vehicle allegedly moved to the driver's seat.
The driver whose vehicle was hit insisted that this should be looked at by the police officers who came to the scene.
He also insisted that the driver should undergo a breathalyzer test, and was concerned that the officers were taking their time.
When they went to Samabula Police Station, the driver was told that the breathalyzer test machine was not working, and they have no other kits available.
When contacted by fijivillage News, Police said that arrangements were made for manual alcohol testing, and the driver in question was cleared and found not to be drunk.
When asked on the driver allegedly changing seats with other people in the car, Police say this will be investigated if the information was given.
When asked on the breathalyzer test kits, Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Kasiano Vusonilawe confirms that the machines are overseas for calibration, which has been completed.
He says the calibrations are done annually, and in the absence of the machines, an alternative is adopted.
When asked on how the manual test is conducted, he says a physical test is conducted by the most senior police officer in accordance with the Force Standing Order as standard practice.
We have also asked why no operational breathalyzer test machines are in the country as we continue to have increasing cases of drunk driving and reckless driving.
Stay with us for developments.
