The Assistant Minister for Home Affairs, Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure, has highlighted the urgent need for robust legislation to assist 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 Bill is designed to address the ongoing issues related to illicit drugs in Fiji, while also considering regional and global contexts.
Vakalalabure noted that the rampant issue of illicit drug trafficking poses a significant threat to the national security of Fiji, impacting communities, families, and society at large. He pointed out that Fiji’s strategic location in the Pacific makes it susceptible to drug trafficking organizations looking to exploit local vulnerabilities.
The workshop will include a presentation of the Counter Narcotics Bureau Structure & Outcome Report, focusing on a legal review of relevant legislation such as the Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004, Medicinal Products Act, and Pharmaceutical Professions Act. Participants will also engage in discussions about the future direction of the Counter Narcotics Bureau Bill.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that the Counter Narcotics Bureau will spearhead the national initiative to disrupt and dismantle drug networks that threaten the way of life in Fiji. Vakalalabure stated that the Bureau’s efforts will concentrate on breaking the chain of illegal activities related to drug cultivation, manufacturing, sales, and exportation.
He assured that effective intelligence and enforcement strategies will be implemented to counter drug trafficking. This government initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing public confidence in national defense and security institutions, as well as ensuring the integrity of Fiji’s borders and security systems.