The National Counter Narcotics Strategy has been introduced in response to Fiji’s ongoing drug crisis.
Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua explained to The Lens@177 that while the national narcotics bureau will operate independently under his ministry, there will be no overlapping responsibilities with the Fiji Police Force.
“Police are not only responsible for crimes related to narcotics,” he said. “They have other responsibilities too. Due to the prominence of this issue, we have decided to establish a dedicated department within the government, separate from the police, to address it.”
He added that the police would still have their own roles within the policy framework, and the two entities would work together. However, the Counter Narcotics Bureau would take the lead in drug-related matters.
Mr. Tikoduadua was set to have his first meeting with the 60 members of Fiji’s newly formed Counter Narcotics Bureau in Suva yesterday.
He noted that these personnel had been recruited for the new unit but had already been working in this area for some time.
He also mentioned that the strategy includes a civilian aspect and involves various parts of society and groups working with government personnel and committees outlined by the strategy.
“The accountable agency is the counter-narcotics bureau. It must ensure that when the strategy is rolled out, different government departments responsible for various tasks will include these in their corporate or action plans.”