Police have enhanced border control measures, especially in maritime regions, to address drug trafficking issues. Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, made this announcement during the observance of World Maritime Day 2024 in Suva.
Driu noted that a framework is already established, collaborating with customs, immigration, and fisheries to tackle these challenges. He expressed concerns about the rising number of yachts potentially involved in drug trafficking activities.
“There are numerous yachts arriving, many of which do not follow proper entry procedures,” he remarked. “These vessels often make stops in the eastern part of the Lau group and Vanua Levu, where we are particularly exposed. This represents a significant challenge for us.”
He emphasized the necessity of international collaboration and the sharing of intelligence to effectively combat the drug trade. Driu acknowledged that while some community members have criticized the execution of operations, the police’s focus will remain on visibility and managing drug traffic.
Additionally, he highlighted that efforts to bolster intelligence will extend beyond domestic borders to involve regional partners.