Calls for more stringent penalties for drug traffickers are intensifying as Fiji’s national consultation on the proposed Narcotics Bill unfolds. During a recent meeting at Naulumatua House in Bua, consultant Jemesa Lave emphasized the necessity of differentiating between drug traffickers and users, advocating for severe sanctions for traffickers while promoting supportive measures for users.
Lave highlighted the urgent need for tougher penalties for those involved in drug trafficking, asserting that the law should accurately reflect the evolving and intricate nature of drug issues facing Fiji today. “There should be harsher penalties for drug traffickers and separate penalties for users,” he stated, underscoring that the existing laws were drafted during a time when drug-related problems were significantly less complex.
The consultation team is actively engaging with communities across the nation to gather public input before finalizing the legislation. Lave pointed out that current drug laws focus predominantly on arrests and enforcement, and expressed the need for these laws to evolve. “This law was written when drugs were not yet as complex as they are today,” he remarked.
In addition to stringent penalties, he argued for the incorporation of rehabilitation into the new legislation, aiding users in their recovery and reintegration into society. Lave also cautioned against the straightforward adoption of foreign laws, warning that what works in other nations might not be effective in the unique context of Fiji. “We do not want to bring a law from another country and implement it here,” he said. “We need a law that suits our local context.”
Public consultations will continue throughout the country, aiming to create a legal framework that balances effective enforcement with culturally sensitive rehabilitation measures, fostering hope for a healthier and more informed approach to addressing drug-related challenges in Fiji.
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