By Kaya Selby, RNZ Pacific journalist
A multinational police investigation implicating 11 Fiji police officers in collusion with drug traffickers has been handed over to prosecutors.
The Fiji police announced that the investigation, lasting nearly six months, now awaits advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on how to proceed.
On December 1 last year, a social media activist posted more than 100 screenshots of Viber messages between the officers and a member of an Auckland-based organised crime group.
Police personnel depicted in the screenshots ranged from beat cops to Criminal Intelligence Division (CID) officers to the head of the Narcotics Bureau.
The texts purportedly showed the Narcotics Bureau chief and others demanding a hit be put out on an individual, providing tip-offs about possible locations and movements. They also depicted officers demanding payments, with details of drop zones and pickup arrangements.
Police said that each officer’s financial histories was investigated.
Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu told local media on 19 December 2025 that the Narcotics Bureau chief had been placed on leave.
NZ ‘assisted’ investigation
A statement confirmed that Australian and New Zealand authorities “assisted” in the investigation. Tudravu confirmed in a press conference that United States authorities were also involved.
New Zealand police said they were “in touch” from December onwards.
“Fiji Police is leading the investigation, and New Zealand Police has offered any support that Fiji Police may require,” they said.
On December 2, Tudravu announced the investigation, with the officers’ phones confiscated shortly after. Police confirmed the investigation concluded last week.
The US Embassy in Wellington, where an FBI office is set up, declined to comment.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
