Siromi Turaga, the Minister for Justice, has indicated his support for reintroducing the death penalty for those convicted of trafficking significant quantities of illegal drugs into Fiji. He made this statement during a visit to Koro Island on Tuesday.
The call for the death penalty was first put forward by Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, as a strategy to combat the growing illicit drug trade in the country. This proposal has received both support and substantial criticism.
Mr. Turaga acknowledged Minister Tabuya’s perspective, stating, “We do not want Fiji to become a breeding ground for such drugs.” He expressed concern over the emergence of methamphetamine in Fiji, highlighting the alarming behavior exhibited by users who can reportedly go days without sleep.
He emphasized the need for collective efforts to tackle the dangerous drug issue, calling on communities and churches to help, stating, “The Government cannot do it alone.”
However, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has voiced his opposition to the idea of implementing the death penalty for drug-related offenses.
On Koro Island, marijuana cultivation remains a significant issue, as pointed out by Tui Nasau, Vonevate Vetaukula, in a recent interview. He mentioned that the village has established a crime committee to ensure residents do not engage in marijuana cultivation. Some individuals have been reported to the police, with a few already imprisoned and others facing court proceedings.
Mr. Vetaukula explained the village’s efforts to monitor incoming vessels to prevent the smuggling of illicit drugs into Suva. He noted that the primary sources of income for the village include yaqona, dalo (taro), cassava, and vudi (plantain).
Minister Turaga warned villagers that illicit drugs should not be tolerated, urging them not to hesitate in reporting any drug-related activities. He stressed that allowing such substances to enter the village would make it challenging to manage the problem.