Drug trafficking is increasingly encroaching upon Fiji’s coastal regions, prompting urgent calls for enhanced border control and drug awareness initiatives in maritime communities. Lavenia Naivalu, a spokesperson for the Nacula district, has raised alarm over the growing use of Fiji’s maritime islands by drug cartel-controlled vessels, placing vulnerable communities at a heightened risk of exposure to illegal drug activities.
Naivalu emphasized the need for local maritime leaders to engage actively with border control agencies, highlighting that communities are often unwittingly drawn into the web of criminal activity occurring in their vicinity. “I am deeply concerned about the way things are happening with the drug trade in Fiji,” she stated, referencing significant drug busts that originated through their waters. She pointed out that the Legalega drug raid, for instance, involved coordinates traced back to Yasawa, further underscoring the proximity of these operations to local fishing and living areas.
To combat this pressing issue, Naivalu urged enhanced community education and awareness regarding identifying suspicious vessels and activities. “We are urging our police to come to the villages and educate us to at least know what to look out for,” she said. She specified the importance of recognizing potential signs on yachts that could indicate illicit cargo and highlighted the need for a clear communication line on whom to contact if something suspicious is observed.
In light of this, Naivalu announced that community leaders from the Nacula district would convene next week to address the situation. They aim to foster discussions around the significance of vigilance within their villages, with plans to invite police for training workshops focused on increasing awareness and knowledge in identifying drug trafficking activities.
This community-driven approach represents a hopeful step toward empowering locals in safeguarding their homes and families against the threat of drug trafficking, ultimately creating a more secure environment in Fiji’s maritime regions.
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