Judicial Staff Sidelined in Cocaine Probe
Judicial Department officers implicated in the disappearance of nearly 50 kilograms of cocaine from the High Court in Suva have been ordered on leave. Acting Attorney-General and Justice Minister Siromi Turaga confirmed the directive, issued by Chief Justice Salesi Temo, to clear the way for an investigation into the missing narcotics.
Internal Purge at the High Court
The government has declined to name the specific individuals affected by the order, but the move targets those directly implicated in the breach of evidence security. Sources close to the matter indicate the group includes at least one senior and high-profile officer from the Judicial Department.
Minister Turaga insisted there is “nothing to hide” regarding the internal processes. He added that the judiciary is currently coordinating with external agencies to overhaul security protocols across all court registries. Chief Justice Temo has already issued instructions regarding these upgrades, though the specifics remain under wraps.
Police Lead Criminal Inquiry
The Fiji Police Force is spearheading the criminal investigation, having identified six individuals as persons of interest earlier this week.
The Limits of Police Authority
Minister Turaga clarified that the Fiji Police Force lacks the independent authority to impose stop-departure orders. “Stop-departure orders can only be placed by court,” the Minister stated.
While agencies such as the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCA) possess the standing to request such orders, police are required to obtain a formal court order to restrict travel. The Minister did not confirm whether any of the six persons of interest are currently under such travel restrictions.
Status of the Investigation
The investigation into the missing 50 kilograms of cocaine remains active. No further dates or procedural milestones have been disclosed by the Ministry at this time.