Judicial Department officers linked to the disappearance of nearly 50 kilograms of cocaine from the High Court in Suva are being sent on leave, the Acting Attorney-General and Justice Minister Siromi Turaga confirmed. The directive originated from Chief Justice Salesi Temo to allow ongoing investigations into the missing narcotics to proceed transparently.
Judicial Staff Sent on Leave Under Chief Justice Directive
Acting Attorney-General and Justice Minister Siromi Turaga announced that staff members implicated in the missing court evidence will step aside from their duties. The administrative action follows a formal directive issued by Chief Justice Salesi Temo. According to Mr Turaga, sending the affected personnel on leave is a necessary procedural step to protect the integrity of the ongoing inquiry.
While official identities remain withheld from the public, sources close to the matter confirmed that a high-profile and senior officer of the Judicial Department is among those sidelined. The Fiji Police Force previously identified six individuals as persons of interest in the disappearance of the 50 kilograms of cocaine. Mr Turaga maintained that there is “nothing to hide” regarding the breach.
Security Protocols Reviewed Across Court Registries
In response to the missing narcotics, the judiciary is reviewing safety measures across its administrative facilities. Mr Turaga stated that discussions are actively underway with other agencies to reinforce security at all court registries. Chief Justice Temo issued security instructions following the incident, though specific operational details remain confidential as standard procedure.
The investigation also intersects with regulatory oversight concerning travel restrictions. Mr Turaga clarified that the Fiji Police Force cannot independently issue stop-departure orders without prior authorization from a court. Statutory bodies such as FICAC, FNPF, and FRCA hold powers to place stop-departure orders directly, whereas police require judicial approval. Mr Turaga declined to confirm whether travel restrictions have been served to any individuals connected to the case.
Chief Justice Salesi Temo Orders Judicial Officers on Leave as Police Investigate Missing Cocaine
Who ordered the judicial officers to be sent on leave?
Chief Justice Salesi Temo issued the directive, which was confirmed by Acting Attorney-General and Justice Minister Siromi Turaga.
How much cocaine went missing from the High Court in Suva?
Almost 50 kilograms of cocaine disappeared from the court premises, triggering an extensive police investigation.
Can the Fiji Police Force issue stop-departure orders independently?
No, police require a formal court order to impose a stop-departure restriction, unlike certain statutory bodies such as FICAC, FNPF, and FRCA.
How many persons of interest have been identified by police?
The Fiji Police Force identified six people as persons of interest earlier in the week.
It’s a standard procedure,
Mr Turaga said regarding the security instructions issued by the Chief Justice.
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