The battle against illegal drug use in Fiji has evolved beyond solely enforcement measures, transforming into a broader initiative aimed at combating misinformation. This insight was discussed during a joint meeting held at the Fiji Police Headquarters, attended by Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu and Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander Brigadier General Jone Kalouniwai. Both leaders recognized the necessity for increased collaboration to address not only the drug trade but also the prominent spread of false narratives.
Brigadier General Kalouniwai highlighted during the discussions that misleading information circulating on social media is eroding public confidence and misrepresenting the realities of law enforcement’s efforts against drugs. He emphasized, “The fight is no longer limited to a war on drugs, but also a war on narratives.” Kalouniwai pointed out that some individuals exploit these false narratives for personal gain, which ultimately damages the public’s trust in the Fiji Police Force and affects the country negatively.
Similarly, Commissioner Tudravu expressed concerns about how public perceptions are swayed by online disinformation. He reassured attendees that, contrary to some claims, Fiji’s drug situation remains “controllable and manageable.” The meeting included a briefing on the enforcement initiatives between 2022 and 2025, detailing drug seizures, ongoing investigations, and arrests involving both white and green drugs. The RFMF was also updated on institutional safeguards within the police force aimed at addressing allegations of police involvement in drug activities.
The meeting reinforced the commitment of the military to support police operations, acknowledging past successes in preventing significant quantities of drugs from reaching communities, despite facing shared resource limitations. Both agencies will convene again this week for a joint planning session, aiming to enhance intelligence sharing, improve coordination, and bolster community policing efforts.
Brigadier General Kalouniwai also addressed the necessity of due process in handling any disciplinary matters related to officers facing allegations, reinforcing that a holistic approach is crucial in tackling the dual challenges of operational effectiveness and public perception in the ongoing fight against drug-related issues. This collaborative spirit and the commitment to transparency indicate a hopeful pathway forward in Fiji’s efforts to ensure community safety and trust.
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