Fiji Police are set to strengthen their international law enforcement operations following the handover of specialised equipment to the Fiji Police Force’s INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Suva under Project Blue Pacific.

The equipment will enable the NCB to connect to INTERPOL’s secure global communications network, giving officers improved access to international policing tools, services and information-sharing systems.

Speaking on behalf of the Fiji Police Force, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police for Strategic Planning, Research and Doctrine, Bitukula Waqanui, expressed appreciation to the project’s development partners, describing their assistance as an important investment in local policing institutions, personnel and regional security.

Project Blue Pacific CBT Officer Robin Basnyat said the equipment would strengthen operational readiness while improving cooperation between law enforcement agencies across the Pacific.

Deputy British High Commissioner Michael Moody also highlighted the importance of international partnerships, noting that no country could independently address the growing challenges posed by transnational crime.

He said cooperation, intelligence sharing and mutual assistance remained essential in developing a stronger and more connected law enforcement network throughout the region.

Australian Federal Police Senior Liaison Officer Detective Superintendent Grant Liddy echoed these sentiments, stressing that combating organised and transnational criminal activities required countries to work together.

He reaffirmed Australia’s support for INTERPOL’s role in strengthening policing capabilities across the Pacific.

The handover was supported by the Australian Federal Police, New Zealand Police, the United Kingdom and INTERPOL.

Fiji is among 11 Pacific beneficiary countries participating in Project Blue Pacific, an initiative aimed at establishing a formal regional network to improve law enforcement coordination, cooperation and operational capabilities.

The initiative is expected to strengthen the region’s collective response to cross-border criminal activities by improving connections between national policing agencies.