Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure has emphasized the urgent need for stronger legislation to aid enforcement officers in tackling the illegal drug trade in Fiji.
During the opening of the Counter Narcotics Bureau Bill Workshop, Vakalalabure highlighted that the proposed legislation is designed to confront the ongoing challenges posed by illicit drugs in Fiji while also considering regional and global contexts.
He underscored that the widespread issue of illegal drug trafficking poses a significant threat to Fiji’s national security, impacting local communities, families, and society at large. Fiji’s strategic location in the Pacific makes it an appealing target for drug trafficking organizations looking to exploit vulnerabilities.
The workshop will feature a presentation on the Counter Narcotics Bureau Structure & Outcome Report along with a legal review of the Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004, the Medicinal Products Act, and the Pharmaceutical Professions Act, with discussions planned for April 2024 regarding the future of the Counter Narcotics Bureau Bill.
Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced that the Counter Narcotics Bureau will spearhead national efforts to disrupt and dismantle drug networks that threaten the way of life in Fiji. Vakalalabure stated that the Bureau will concentrate on breaking the chain of illegal drug farming, manufacturing, selling, and exporting.
He stressed that effective intelligence and enforcement strategies will be pivotal in combating drug trafficking. The Counter Narcotics Bureau Bill Workshop serves as a government initiative to bolster public confidence in defense and security institutions while reinforcing Fiji’s commitment to maintaining its borders and security measures.