The former FijiFirst government is facing allegations of having deliberately ignored the growing drug trafficking issues in Fiji over the past decade, as stated by Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad. He contends that those in positions of power, under the previous administration, were complicit in this negligence due to possible involvement in the trade. The current surge in drug seizures and crime is merely the exposure of issues that had been developing unnoticed for many years under the previous government’s rule.
Professor Prasad emphasizes that this drug problem did not emerge overnight; instead, it was a result of prolonged oversight by authorities, often not shared with the public nor reported by media due to fear. The new government is now addressing this issue vigorously, with $10 million allocated in the national budget to tackle the social impacts of drugs. New Zealand has also contributed funding support.
The Finance Minister points to a systemic problem that the current government has inherited, which not only involves drug traffickers and users but also corrupt influences within law enforcement. Under the current administration, there is a newfound freedom for media to report on these issues, shedding light on the murky dealings of the past.
Some critics mistakenly believe that the visible increase in drug cases began under the new coalition government. However, Professor Prasad counters this by explaining that the scale of the problem indicates a deep-rooted issue that has been festering for years.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and his government remain committed to addressing these challenges head-on. Recent significant drug busts, including a 4.15-tonne methamphetamine seizure, have intensified scrutiny on all levels of government and reinforced the need for a collaborative national response. There have been previous denials of involvement from current government members, affirming a dedication to transparency and rule of law.
Efforts to tackle the drug crisis go beyond enforcement, focusing on societal engagement, education, and enhanced accountability among public officials. The government’s initiatives reflect hope for transformative action, aligning with community involvement and international cooperation to create a safer, drug-free environment for Fiji’s future generations.
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