The government is in the process of drafting a series of new laws to enable the National Counter Narcotics Bureau to work more effectively alongside the police.
Speaking on The Lens@177 this week, Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua mentioned that currently, members of the bureau collaborate with the police to carry out their duties.
Tikoduadua emphasized the need to formalize this cooperation, noting that the necessary laws are being drafted “very quickly.” He added that they are learning from other jurisdictions to implement effective measures without reinventing the wheel.
“They are covered in the work they do because it’s still what the police do. However, since this is an entirely new government department, the laws need to be written to ensure they are functional,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of enabling the bureau to perform their duties, although some aspects of their work are sensitive and can’t be openly discussed at this time due to the nature of information gathering involved. Currently, they operate using the powers available to the police.
Tikoduadua further stated that his ministry, in conjunction with the Office of the Solicitor General, is collaborating with experts to develop a set of laws that will allow the counter narcotics bureau to operate effectively and maintain accountability.