The Police Act and the Illicit Drugs Act in Fiji are currently being reviewed as part of the Policing Ministry’s ongoing efforts to modernize legislation enabling the Fiji Police Force to effectively fulfill its duties. Policing Minister Ioane Naivalurua addressed Parliament recently, highlighting that the Police Act, enacted in 1965, is outdated and hampers law enforcement’s ability to adopt new technologies and broaden their operational capabilities.
Minister Naivalurua expressed that revising the Police Act is essential for enhancing law enforcement services and rebuilding public trust in both the government and the police force. He also mentioned that the Illicit Drugs Act is under review to streamline police operations and improve service delivery in tackling rising drug-related issues.
In a significant development, the Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Counter Narcotics Bureau, which will operate as an independent agency under the minister’s oversight. The bureau is tasked with coordinating the government’s response to drug-related challenges, including law enforcement, investigations, prosecution, and collaborative efforts with key agencies to raise awareness on drug issues.
This review and the formation of the Counter Narcotics Bureau signals a proactive stance from the Fijian government towards addressing drug-related challenges in society. It reflects a broader commitment to modernizing law enforcement and ensuring public safety.
The rising concern regarding drug-related violence and the sophistication of criminal activities, previously noted by officials, calls for urgent legislative reforms. Previous discussions emphasized the importance of strong, well-coordinated measures to protect communities from the adverse effects of drug trafficking. Therefore, these legislative changes represent a hopeful step toward fostering a safer environment in Fiji, ensuring public trust in the law enforcement systems, and effectively addressing one of the nation’s pressing social challenges.
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