Fiji: Joint operations almost certain to continue, currently maintain broad public support

Around 17 May, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and Fiji Police Force (FPF) announced a joint counter-narcotics operation would be launched in Fiji's Western Division. Meanwhile, several present and historic incidents have been highlighted in traditional and social media relating to drugs and the joint operations. In the first incident, during the early morning of 26 April, two police officers were injured and three people arrested after a high-speed chase that ended in a crash and the seizure of suspected methamphetamine near a Suva checkpoint. On 11 May, video circulated on social media of a joint FPF and RFMF patrol in a state housing complex in Suva. Around 12 May, the Chair of the Labasa Taxi Association reported positively about improved local night-time safety due to the increased security presence. Other media reporting re-raised historic incidents: police officers appeared in court on 8 May over assault charges during a drug raid in March 2025, and another article noted a six-month investigation into allegations of corruption within the now disbanded Narcotics Bureau had been completed and handed over to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Assessment: The increased tempo of joint counter-drug operations will almost certainly continue, likely through to the general election occurring in August 2026 at the earliest. Heightened traditional and social media interest is also almost certain to continue. While the increased frontline presence also raises the likelihood of disciplinary and safety incidents, the operations retain a majority of public support. This popular support for the military's involvement in domestic security will be reinforced where the local public perception of safety is also improved. The heads of both forces noted in January that dis- and mis-information was a significant component of the counter-drug operating environment their organisations had not previously faced (see SPI 38, of 31 December 2025–13 January 2026).

Sources: Apenisa Waqairadovu, “Three arrested after drug seizure and high-speed chase,” FBC, 26 April 2026; Riya Mala, “Four police officers charged over alleged assault during drug raid,” FBC, 7 May 2026; “Military patrol seen at PRB Mead Road property,” FBC, 12 May 2026; Peceli Naviticoko, “Labasa sees safer nights under joint patrols,” FBC, 12 May 2026; Mosese Raqio, “Tudravu dismisses claims of Police-RFMF rift,” FBC, 13 May 2026; Praneeta Prakash, “Security forces step up fight against drug trafficking,” FBC, 17 May 2026; Kaya Selby, “Eleven Fijian police officers investigated for ties to Auckland drug trade links,” RNZ, 19 May 2026.