The Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga, has shown support for the reintroduction of the death penalty for individuals convicted of trafficking significant quantities of illegal drugs into Fiji. His remarks were made on Koro Island on Tuesday.
This proposal was initially brought forward by the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, who suggested it as a strategy to combat the illicit drug trade in the country. The idea has sparked both support and criticism.
Mr. Turaga acknowledged Minister Tabuya’s stance, stating, “We do not want Fiji to become a breeding ground for such drugs. You can generally tell when someone is under the influence of drugs. A new drug called methamphetamine is now present in Fiji, and reports indicate that users can go for days without sleep.”
He emphasized the need for a united effort against this hazardous drug issue, calling on the community and churches to contribute, noting that the government cannot tackle it alone.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has voiced his disagreement with the notion of imposing the death penalty for drug-related offenses.
Additionally, Mr. Turaga was informed about the ongoing problem of marijuana in Nasau Village, Mudu, Koro Island. Tui Nasau, Vonevate Vetaukula, addressed this concern in an interview, explaining that the village has established a crime committee dedicated to ensuring that no village member is involved in marijuana cultivation.
Mr. Vetaukula mentioned, “We have referred individuals to the police upon discovering their involvement in marijuana cultivation. Some are already imprisoned while others face court proceedings. We also monitor vessels arriving at the island to ensure they do not transport illegal drugs to Suva.”
He highlighted that the primary sources of income for the village are yaqona, dalo (taro), cassava, and vudi (plantain). Mr. Turaga warned the villagers against tolerating any form of illegal drugs, urging them to report concerns immediately as it becomes increasingly difficult to manage once drugs infiltrate the community.