Fiji police defend military role in drug crackdown amid concerns

Fiji's police force is grappling with persistent threats from transnational organized crime, particularly drug syndicates that exploit the nation's extensive maritime borders and remote terrain. Permanent Secretary for Policing Berenado Daveta emphasized that authorities must maintain focus on the scale of this ongoing challenge.

Daveta criticized recent media coverage, stating that attention has been disproportionately placed on specific security operations, potentially overshadowing the larger and more pervasive criminal activities. He indicated that reporting has, at times, "overstated recent security operations while downplaying the broader criminal activity."

The Permanent Secretary warned that the pressure from drug syndicates remains constant. These criminal networks are adept at utilizing Fiji's geography, including its numerous islands and coastlines, to facilitate their operations. The vastness of Fiji's maritime domain presents significant challenges for effective surveillance and interdiction.

Authorities are urging continued vigilance and a comprehensive approach to combating organized crime. The focus remains on addressing the root causes and systemic vulnerabilities that allow these syndicates to operate, rather than solely highlighting isolated successes in security operations.

“

Reporting, he states has overstated recent security operations while downplaying the broader criminal activity.