AFP to help keep Pacific region safe

THE Australian Federation Police (AFP) will continue to work closely with the Fiji Police to help keep the Pacific region safe as well as track down and dismantle organised crime groups.

This follows the recent drug busts in the Western Division where police seized more than fourand-a-half tonnes of methamphetamine.

Assistant Commissioner of Police

Operations Livai Driu said police will continue to monitor communities and seek out drug suppliers in its fight against drugs.

An AFP spokesperson said they had a longstanding history of close law enforcement engagement with the Fiji Police Force (FPF).

Both the FPF and the AFP have been part of the Pacific Transnational Crime Network (PTCN) for more than 20 years in which AFP has had members posted to Fiji as part of its International Network as liaison officers and advisors.

“Since December 2023, the AFP has been supporting the FPF with this investigation, this has included assistance in the form of investigation, intelligence and specialist technical support,” the AFP spokesperson said.

“Following the significant drug seizure last week, the AFP continues to work alongside the FPF in these areas and also partnering in forensic and digital forensic specialties.”

Unfortunately, the demand and high prices for illicit drugs across the world creates a market for the large cartels who are growing and manufacturing illicit drugs.

The spokesperson said the demand for illicit drugs in Australia and New Zealand was not new as there had been many examples over the years of Pacific countries being used as transit points for illicit drugs.

Investigations are ongoing by the FPF in Fiji, with the AFP using its domestic capabilities and International Network to further avenues of inquiries.