The trafficking of illicit drugs in Fiji is becoming increasingly challenging to combat, particularly due to inadequate screening equipment at domestic airports. Independent Member of Parliament Rinesh Sharma voiced these concerns following his visit to Savusavu and Labasa in Vanua Levu. Without proper video surveillance or luggage screening akin to what is implemented at international airports like Nadi and Nausori, domestic airports such as Labasa and Savusavu are inadequately prepared to address these issues.
Sharma highlighted that the porous nature of Fiji’s borders enables a significant volume of illicit drugs to go unidentified. He questioned the popularity of Savusavu among yachts compared to other locations with robust screening protocols, noting that the presence of proper security measures at locations like Denarau makes it a less favorable point for potential drug traffickers.
The Fiji Airports Limited (FAL) responded, explaining that, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF), only Nadi and Nausori Airports are designated as security airports, which encompass specific infrastructure and screening protocols that are absent from smaller airports. At these non-designated airports, basic security measures are primarily managed by local police, who provide daily oversight.
Despite not having formal screening methods, airlines operating at these smaller airports have established their own safety measures. This includes the physical inspection of cargo by airline staff and direct questioning of senders, aimed at ensuring passenger and cargo security through a layered approach to risk management.
The challenges surrounding Fiji’s role as a transit point for drug trafficking and the operations of local criminal organizations underline the critical need for improved border security measures. A recent National Security and Defence Review Report points to increasing vulnerabilities within Fiji’s security infrastructure, emphasizing that local criminal groups profit from trafficking to high-demand markets. The government’s response and the enhancement of security frameworks are vital steps needed to counteract these developments and mitigate the risks associated with drug trafficking and related criminal activities.
The implementation of stronger security measures, alongside collaborations with various agencies and community organizations, could create a more robust framework for combating illicit drug traffic in Fiji. This multi-faceted approach not only focuses on enforcement but also addresses prevention and community engagement to foster healthier environments.
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