Fiji: Police will maintain lead in drug fight

On 12 January, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu met with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander, Major-General Jone Kalouniwai, to discuss the illicit drug trade. The Commissioner described the situation as manageable and that recent public claims of a worsening situation were being influenced by misinformation on social media. The General Kalouniwai emphasised that countering false narratives now needed to be a significant part of the response. He also restated the RFMF’s function as a support role to the police’s lead. Earlier, in his New Year’s address around 1 January, Prime Minister Rabuka outlined the RFMF’s key counter-drug role was to increase the Fiji Navy’s work with regional partners in the maritime domain.

Assessment: Since early December 2025, alleged police corruption, missing persons, and other local incidents have been amplified by traditional and social media and linked to organised drug crime. However, police investigations - including international assistance - have often found the allegations to be unsubstantiated. Social media calls for the RFMF to take the lead in countering drug crime has also been an ongoing trend for the last 18 months, due to a legacy of mistrust in the police under the previous Prime Minister and coup leader, Voreqe Bainimarama. The current PM, Police Commissioner, and Commander RFMF will almost certainly continue to maintain a police lead with the RFMF in support. However, both services currently lack the capability to effectively control the maritime and information domains.

Sources: Riya Mala, “Military flags alleged police misconduct,” FBC, January 12, 2026; Jordan Fennell, “Fiji PM says military will back police in drug fight,” ABC, January 1, 2026.