Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu underscored the need to separate the actions of a few individuals from the overall integrity of the police force during the 27th Attorney-General’s Conference held in Nadi. He emphasized that the reputation of the service, comprising over 5,000 dedicated officers, should not be tarnished due to the misconduct of a handful of officers involved in drug-related offences.
In his remarks aimed at restoring public trust, Commissioner Tudravu revealed that from 2020 to 2025, 47 officers faced allegations related to drug crimes. He reassured the community that the police are committed to maintaining high standards of accountability, actively removing officers who violate the law.
Participating in a panel discussion titled “The Role of Police in Drug Enforcement, Operational Realities and Institutional Integrity in Fiji and the Pacific,” Tudravu provided insights into the current drug situation in Fiji. He pointed out a significant issue primarily dominated by marijuana-related offences, with police recording 8,076 cases of unlawful marijuana possession from 2022 to October 2025, compared to just 861 cases involving methamphetamine.
The Commissioner attributed the larger number of marijuana cases to local cultivation practices and called for a national dialogue to address the underlying causes of drug use and trafficking. He highlighted that many individuals may resort to drugs for personal reasons or as a source of income, emphasizing the need for a collective approach from all sectors to combat this societal challenge.
Reiterating the police force’s commitment to enforcing drug laws, Tudravu affirmed that marijuana will continue to be treated as an illegal substance, with police taking decisive action against trafficking and use. His address serves as a call for collaboration among various communities to tackle the pervasive issues surrounding drug addiction and related offences in Fiji, fostering hope for a more unified and proactive approach to this pressing concern.