A police officer critically injured during a high-speed pursuit in Fiji is the daughter of the country’s Defence Minister, Pio Tikoduadua, officials have confirmed.

As per FijiVillage, the officer is being treated at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva and is reported to be in a serious but stable condition. Another officer injured in the same incident is also hospitalised and stable.

Minister Tikoduadua confirmed the family connection in a parliamentary statement, saying his daughter was among those injured during the incident. He asked for privacy while investigations continue and said his priority is her recovery and supporting police officers involved in frontline duties.

The incident occurred during a police and military joint operation at a checkpoint in Laqere, near Fiji’s capital Suva, after officers intercepted a vehicle allegedly linked to suspected drug activity.

Police say officers discovered white substances believed to be methamphetamine during the initial stop. When instructed to halt, the driver allegedly refused and fled, triggering a pursuit through several suburbs, including Tovata and Makoi, before heading back towards Suva.

Authorities say the chase escalated when the suspect vehicle drove into a police roadblock, striking an officer. The pursuit ended shortly after in a multi-vehicle collision involving police and the fleeing vehicle, a short distance from the checkpoint.

A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered white substances believed to be methamphetamine, along with tools suspected to be used in house break-ins.

Three suspects are currently under arrest and receiving medical treatment under police guard. One of them is known to the police due to a previous criminal history.

Fiji police say the incident is being treated seriously, particularly given the attack on officers during an active operation. A joint police and military task force has since stepped up enforcement operations in the area.

Authorities say further charges are expected once forensic testing of the seized substances is completed.

Officials have urged calm as investigations continue, while reinforcing that violence against law enforcement officers will be dealt with firmly under the law.

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