SUVA (Pacnews) — The only armed and elite unit of the Fiji police force is no longer operational.
The Police Tactical Response Unit set up by then-Police Commissioner Australian Andrew Hughes has been disbanded by the military following alleged discrepancies.
Police spokeswoman Inspector Lavenia Lovodua confirmed that the unit has been disbanded but referred further questions to Senior Superintendent of Police Jonasa Leaki.
Military spokesman Maj. Neumi Leweni confirmed the unit is no longer operational but denied that it was related to the two sniper rifles found in the custody of a senior police officer.
The head of the unit, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ulaiasi Ravula, said an official statement will be released to the media regarding the disbandment.
The military seized weapons and ammunition from the armory at the Police Tactical Response Unit a day before the military takeover on Dec. 5.
Military commander Frank Bainimarama said the weapons had to be secured to ensure that dissidents would not use the PTR as an instrument against the armed forces.