Ensuring the proposed Counter Narcotics Bill effectively protects Fijians from the growing threats posed by narcotics, including narco-terrorism, new psychoactive substances (NPS), and powerful drug cartels, is a top priority for local authorities. Officials from the Ministry of Policing emphasized this commitment during a public consultation held in Lautoka.
Inspector Jemesa Lave shed light on how global trends in drug enforcement are shaping Fiji’s response to these evolving challenges. He referenced the United States’ approach, stating, “In the US, they started shooting the cartels.” He noted that while the US previously supported drug war efforts in Mexico and Colombia, their tactics have shifted significantly, including the use of drones to target traffickers. “These are some of the things maybe in the future we could look at,” he explained, underscoring the importance of adapting to successful strategies adopted by other nations.
Inspector Lave also expressed concern regarding the rising threat of fentanyl, a potent substance that can be associated with narco-terrorism. He pointed out that fentanyl can be lethal, with even small amounts posing a risk of overdose. “You would have seen on the news about fentanyl, and these are some of the things that we need to look at — like drugs being used as a weapon of mass destruction,” he warned, referencing various tragic overdose incidents reported worldwide.
The inspector highlighted also the challenges posed by new psychoactive substances, many of which fall outside of existing regulations in the Illicit Drugs Act. “The Health Minister is empowered to make the change and not Parliament. These are some of the things we are looking at to ensure that the law is relevant for a very long time and considers the changing dynamics,” he stated, calling for a proactive approach to policymaking.
Fiji’s commitment to learning from international trends is crucial in staying ahead of potential drug-related threats. Inclusive public consultations like this one are part of ongoing efforts to refine the Counter Narcotics Bill, ensuring it is equipped to address both current and emerging challenges in the illicit drug trade. The dialogue around these critical issues signifies a proactive move toward safeguarding the community against the evolving landscape of drug threats.
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