A new method of drug trafficking has emerged, with traffickers posing as pastors and elderly women to evade detection by border officers in Fiji. Minister for Immigration and Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, noted that this tactic presents a significant challenge for both police and border officials.
According to Mr. Tikoduadua, these traffickers often use the country’s international airports to smuggle drugs. He explained, “Some of them pretend to be a italatala (pastor) or an old woman to exploit the situation.” He added that these individuals constantly change their appearances, emphasizing the need for vigilance in apprehending them.
The minister praised the efforts of the nation’s law enforcement agencies in protecting the borders from drug trafficking. “I urge the public to recognize that this national action plan against drugs is a collective responsibility,” he stated. He highlighted that the obligation to combat drug trafficking should not solely rest on the police and business owners, many of whom possess resources that could aid in the fight.