The Assistant Minister for Home Affairs, Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure, emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive legislation to aid enforcement officers in fighting the illegal drug trade in Fiji. Speaking at the launch of the Counter Narcotics Bureau Bill Workshop, Vakalalabure outlined the Bill’s intention to address the current illicit drug situation in Fiji, which is influenced by regional and global trends.
He highlighted the significant threat that illegal drug trafficking poses to Fiji’s national security, impacting communities, families, and society as a whole. Vakalalabure noted that Fiji’s strategic location in the Pacific makes it an attractive target for drug trafficking organizations looking to exploit weaknesses in the system.
The workshop will feature a presentation on the structure and outcomes of the Counter Narcotics Bureau, along with a legal review of the Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004, the Medicinal Products Act, and the Pharmaceutical Professions Act, with discussions scheduled to continue through April 2024.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced that the Counter Narcotics Bureau will spearhead national efforts to disrupt and dismantle drug networks that threaten Fiji’s way of life. Vakalalabure stated that the Bureau will concentrate on dismantling illegal activities related to the cultivation, manufacture, sale, and export of drugs and psychotropic substances. He assured that strong intelligence and enforcement strategies will be implemented to effectively combat drug trafficking.
This workshop, part of a broader government initiative, underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening public trust in defense and security institutions while safeguarding Fiji’s borders and maintaining security.