Fiji’s Police Force Commissioner, Rusiate Tudravu, provided an update on the country’s drug situation to visiting members of the United States Congress, emphasizing that Fiji is not a hub for large-scale drug manufacturing. During the briefing on Tuesday, he confirmed that there are no established drug laboratories operating within the country.
Commissioner Tudravu noted that while authorities have seized white substances locally, these substances are produced in small, experimental quantities by individuals attempting to imitate drug production methods found online. These attempts lack the necessary expertise and infrastructure for substantial production. He highlighted that the majority of intercepted drugs originate from overseas, as Fiji’s geographical location makes it susceptible to being a transit route for narcotics flowing from Europe and South America to other regions.
Citing a recent drug bust in Tavua, Tudravu pointed out that foreign nationals have been implicated in smuggling operations, although he expressed relief that those apprehended during the operation were not armed.
To enhance Fiji’s capabilities in tackling drug trafficking, Commissioner Tudravu advocated for improved intelligence sharing with U.S. law enforcement, describing such cooperation as crucial in dismantling transnational drug networks. He also sought training opportunities to bolster local skills in detecting and countering drug trafficking. Furthermore, he requested logistical support from the U.S. government, stressing the importance of modern equipment and technology to aid officers on the ground.
This proactive approach illustrates Fiji’s commitment to combating drug-related issues and highlights the importance of international partnerships in addressing such global challenges.
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