The Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu, has announced that the Fiji Police Force plans to enlist support from the military to address growing drug-related challenges, attributing this decision to limited resources. In a press conference held this morning, Tudravu revealed his intention to meet with the military commander on Monday to discuss the collaboration.
“This is a step we’ve contemplated for some time. The military acts as a secondary option to bolster our efforts,” Tudravu stated. He elaborated that his approach so far has been to thoroughly assess the situation before calling for military assistance.
“Upon my arrival in this position, I prioritized conducting a review of our operational capabilities and resources. It was important for me to understand the current landscape before determining the level of support needed,” he explained.
Despite working under constraints, Tudravu highlighted the commendable achievements of the police in combating drug issues, stating, “We have made significant progress with the limited resources at our disposal. However, there comes a point where we require additional support, and we will be exploring this further.”
The COMPOL underscored the existence of previous collaborations with the military and expressed optimism that further discussions would lead to effective support. “The military has the manpower to assist us across the nation,” he added, emphasizing that the specifics of their involvement will be discussed during the upcoming briefing.
Tudravu confirmed that the police will provide a comprehensive briefing to the military commander regarding the current drug situation and police deployment. “We will share our insights and information, allowing the military commander to assess how they can extend their support effectively,” he stated.
This strategic partnership aims to strengthen the police’s efforts in addressing drug-related activities, fostering a more collaborative approach towards maintaining law and order in Fiji.