FIJI troops defied the Pacific nation's police commissioner today by collecting a shipment of ammunition from Suva's wharves even though he had not authorised its release.
Soldiers picked up the 7.5 tonnes of bullets at 8am (0700 AEDT) and transported the consignment to army barracks in Suva, Fiji commercial radio reported.
Police Commissioner Andrew Hughes, an Australian, confirmed the action had taken place without his issuing a licence releasing the shipment as required by Fiji law.
Mr Hughes has refused to issue the licence until the military publicly assures the nation the ammunition would not be used to overthrow the Government.
"There's no import licence and I'm not going to issue one," he told Legend FM after learning of army's move.
A joint press conference with acting military commander Elasa Teleni this morning was cancelled and Mr Hughes said he had so far been unable to make contact with military leaders today.
Mr Hughes met Col Teleni yesterday and was given a "rock solid" assurance the ammunition would not be used against the government of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase.
He had wanted Col Teleni to repeat the assurance at the press conference.
"Once we've carried out what we've agreed, and that was what I thought was quite clear yesterday, I'll reconsider," Mr Hughes said this morning before becoming aware that the military had taken the shipment.
Mr Hughes made the comment after briefing Mr Qarase and Home Affairs Minister Josefa Vosanibola on the issue ahead of an emergency cabinet meeting.
Military commander Commodore Frank Bainimarama, who is in the Middle East, has vowed to seek Mr Qarase's resignation when he returns because of what he calls corrupt policies.
On Mr Qarase's advice, Fiji President Ratu Josefa Iloilo is reported to have suspended Commodore Bainimarama and attempted to replace him with another officer, Lieutenant Colonel Meli Saubulinayau.
But Lt Col Saubulinayau declined, and along with other officers, pledged loyalty to Commodore Bainimarama.