The investigation into the alleged connections between certain police officers and the illicit drug trade has intensified, centering on the original source of viral messages circulating on Viber. Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu confirmed the completion of a thorough digital forensic analysis on devices owned by seven officers implicated in these screenshots shared widely on social media.
Commissioner Tudravu disclosed the involvement of international law enforcement agencies, including the Australian Federal Police and their U.S. counterparts, which facilitated the retrieval of deleted messages from the officers’ phones. However, he emphasized that establishing the origin of the messages is critical to advancing the inquiry.
“Our priority is to find the source,” Tudravu stated, adding that identifying the creator would provide essential confirmation and evidence suitable for legal proceedings. In pursuit of this goal, a senior detective has traveled to Sydney to collect a statement from the individual who initially uploaded the screenshots.
The commissioner firmly rejected allegations that the police force is protecting the implicated officers or obstructing investigations. He assured the public that there is a commitment to uncovering the truth. “If there is a link, you are out. If the allegation is linked to me, I am out,” he stated.
The investigation has now entered a second phase, focusing on financial checks of the officers named in the social media claims. Tudravu announced that while the first phase involved the digital screening of the officers’ devices, the new phase aims to explore their financial backgrounds in collaboration with other stakeholders. This indicates the seriousness of the claims being investigated.
“Investigators are progressing this. We are trying to get to the bottom of all this,” he remarked, underlining the importance of pursuing only solid evidence that meets legal standards. He also made it clear that decisions regarding removing officers would not be swayed by public pressure or social media conjecture.
Tudravu acknowledged the skepticism within the community but called for patience as investigations take time. He assured the public that all allegations are taken seriously and that due process would be adhered to, reinforcing that the integrity of the police force hinges on fact-finding rather than responding to online narratives.
This proactive approach indicates a dedication to transparency and accountability within law enforcement, fostering hope for a resolution that upholds justice while maintaining public trust.