The National Counter Narcotics Strategy has been introduced in response to Fiji’s ongoing drug crisis.
Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua told The Lens@177 that while the national narcotics bureau will operate independently under the jurisdiction of his ministry, there will be no overlap with the duties of the Fiji Police Force.
“The police are not solely responsible for narcotics-related crimes,” he said.
“They have other responsibilities as well. Given the prominence of this issue, the government has decided to establish a dedicated and independent department to address it, separate from the police.”
Tikoduadua clarified that while the police will still play a significant role as part of the overall policies, the lead agency for dealing with drugs will be the Counter Narcotics Bureau.
Meanwhile, Tikoduadua was set to have his first meeting with the 60 members of Fiji’s newly established Counter Narcotics Bureau in Suva yesterday.
Tikoduadua noted that while these personnel were newly recruited for the unit, they have been conducting similar work for a long time.
He also stated that the strategy includes a civilian component and involves various parts of society and groups that collaborate with government agencies and committees outlined in the strategy.
“The agency accountable is the Counter Narcotics Bureau,” he said. “It must ensure that when it implements the strategy with different government departments, those departments incorporate it into their corporate or action plans.”