Fiji Police have identified six persons of interest in the investigation into the disappearance of 39.5kg of cocaine and the alleged tampering of exhibits.

The six persons of interest are from the Judiciary and are among those who had access to the exhibits, which were kept in the court exhibit room.

Police Commissioner says the Judiciary is responsible for the security of the exhibit room, as Police do not have authority to guard it.

Investigators have so far recorded statements from 27 individuals who had direct access to the exhibits as they work to establish the timeline of events and determine how the seven bars of cocaine went missing.

Deputy Director Forensic of the Fiji Police Force, Sakiusa Jitoko says most of the CCTV cameras in the exhibit room were not operational, while the biometric system was also not functioning, with the Digital Forensic Unit now working to retrieve whatever footage and records are available.

The investigation team is also conducting financial investigations with assistance from the Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit as investigators continue gathering evidence and documents.

The Police Commissioner says the investigation remains focused on establishing the circumstances surrounding the missing exhibits and ensuring the matter is properly investigated.

BY: LITIA RABUA