The Assistant Minister for Home Affairs, Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure, highlighted the urgent need for strong legislation to aid enforcement officials in tackling the illegal drug trade in Fiji. Addressing attendees at the opening of the Counter Narcotics Bureau Bill Workshop, Vakalalabure explained that the new legislation is designed to respond to the existing illicit drug situation in Fiji, while also considering regional and global contexts.
He expressed concern about the significant threat illicit drug trafficking poses to Fiji’s national security, which impacts communities, families, and society at large. He pointed out that Fiji’s strategic location in the Pacific makes it particularly vulnerable to drug trafficking operations.
The workshop will feature presentations on the structure and outcome report of the Counter Narcotics Bureau, including discussions related to the Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004, Medicinal Products Act, and Pharmaceutical Professions Act, along with plans for the implementation of the Counter Narcotics Bureau Bill in April 2024.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Home Affairs indicated that the Counter Narcotics Bureau will spearhead national efforts to disrupt and dismantle drug networks that threaten Fiji’s way of life. Vakalalabure emphasized that the Bureau will concentrate on dismantling the entire chain of illegal activities associated with drug farming, manufacturing, selling, and exporting.
Robust intelligence and enforcement strategies will be vital in effectively combating drug trafficking. This initiative is part of the government’s commitment to enhancing public trust in defense and security institutions while also safeguarding Fiji’s borders and maintaining overall security.