The Assistant Minister for Home Affairs, Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure, has highlighted the urgent requirement for robust legislation to aid enforcement officers in tackling the illegal drug trade in Fiji. During the opening of the Counter Narcotics Bureau Bill Workshop, Vakalalabure emphasized that the proposed legislation seeks to confront the current illicit drug situation in Fiji, while also considering regional and global contexts.
He pointed out that the widespread threat of illegal drug trafficking poses significant risks to Fiji’s national security, affecting 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 these vulnerabilities.
The workshop is scheduled to include presentations on the Counter Narcotics Bureau Structure and an Outcome Report related to a legal review of various acts, including the Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004, Medicinal Products Act, and Pharmaceutical Professions Act. Attendees will also engage in discussions about the future direction of the Counter Narcotics Bureau Bill.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced that the Counter Narcotics Bureau will spearhead national efforts to disrupt and dismantle drug networks that threaten the lifestyle of Fiji’s citizens. Vakalalabure stated that the Bureau’s focus will be on severing the illegitimate processes of farming, manufacturing, selling, and exporting drugs and psychotropic substances.
He reassured that effective combat against drug trafficking would be bolstered through strong intelligence and enforcement actions. The Counter Narcotics Bureau Bill Workshop represents a government initiative aimed at enhancing public trust in defense and security institutions, while also safeguarding Fiji’s borders and overall security.