Josefa Sigavolavola 
Permanent Secretary for Policing Berenado Daveta. [Photo: FILE]
The Ministry of Policing is hopeful of receiving an increased budget allocation, including a possible salary review for police officers, when the national budget is announced.
This comes amid concerns that low pay could be contributing to some officers allegedly becoming involved in the illicit drug trade.
However, Permanent Secretary for Policing Berenado Daveta says the Ministry has strict processes in place to deal with any officers found engaging in corrupt activities.
“No police officer should be corrupt, and if they’re found corrupt, they’ll be taken through due process, charged, and indicted.”
Daveta says the Fiji Police Force has already submitted its budget proposals for the upcoming financial year and remains optimistic about the outcome.
“Nobody knows if the police are going to have a pay increase. It would be really great, but it depends on what has been shared. It’s like a cake: somebody gets a bigger piece, and somebody else has to have a smaller piece.”
He says police officers remain under intense scrutiny as the force continues its fight against the growing threat of illicit drugs.
Meanwhile, Great Council of Chiefs Chair Viliame Serukavakula says addressing Fiji’s drug situation requires a collective effort from both law enforcement agencies and members of the public.
“Now we looked at ourselves first, and we acknowledge the fact that we are in the position where we are today because we believe we dropped the ball.”
The Fiji Police Force has seized an estimated $3.9 billion worth of illicit drugs, while 7,710 drug-related cases have been recorded over the past five years. This includes seizures of methamphetamine valued at $3.6 billion and cocaine worth $91.9 million.
