Fiji declares war on drugs as Kadavu tour spotlights community-led solutions
Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua told Tavuki Village on Kadavu Island that Fiji is at war with drugs and urged residents to take ownership of the problem, with a sharp focus on marijuana cultivation that is damaging lives and futures. speaking to community leaders and residents, Naivalurua said the fight against drugs cannot be left to police alone and is about saving lives, not just enforcement.
Communities were urged to become the first line of defence, working in partnership with government agencies and law enforcement to protect youth and secure a better future. The minister framed the issue as a collective responsibility that requires sustained action beyond raids, including education and prevention at the village level.
The visit highlighted long-term solutions alongside enforcement. Government agencies are promoting farming and fishing as sustainable economic alternatives to reduce dependence on illegal crops. Kadavu’s five-day tour is part of broader efforts to tackle illicit activities and bolster partnerships with local leaders and residents.
Context from Kadavu’s broader drug response shows the scale and urgency of the challenge. Kadavu has been identified as a hub for marijuana production, with notable seizures reported in recent months. The force has pursued a multi-faceted approach, combining eradication with community awareness programs to prevent marijuana cultivation from becoming normalized in local life. These efforts are complemented by a nationwide push that includes the creation of task forces to coordinate actions across ministries and engage traditional and religious leaders in safeguarding youth.
Kadavu’s response also involves grassroots governance initiatives. Authorities have signaled plans to introduce village by-laws to bolster governance and discipline at the community level, reinforcing the role of families, elders, and local leaders in addressing drug-related issues while cooperating with law enforcement.
As Kadavu moves forward, the government emphasizes that progress will come from unity among communities, police, and multiple government sectors. By pairing immediate enforcement with long-term, community-driven strategies and alternative livelihoods, officials hope to protect communities and restore Kadavu’s agricultural heritage.
What this means for Kadavu and Fiji
– A growing emphasis on community leadership and collaboration with police and ministries to tackle the drug problem at its root.
– Investment in sustainable livelihoods, such as farming and fishing, to provide legal income and reduce incentives for illicit cultivation.
– A multi-agency, culturally aware approach that includes village by-laws, family engagement, and traditional and religious leadership in prevention efforts.
– Ongoing efforts to raise awareness and implement targeted prevention programs, alongside strategic operations to disrupt drug networks.
Summary
Kadavu’s five-day tour, led by the Minister of Policing, consolidates a national strategy that blends enforcement with community engagement and alternative livelihoods. By mobilizing local leaders, introducing governance measures, and promoting sustainable income sources, Fiji aims to curb marijuana cultivation and protect future generations.
Additional notes
– The push for a cross-ministry task force and community-based awareness aligns Kadavu with broader national efforts to address drug use through coordinated governance and local leadership.
– The emphasis on saving lives and preventing normalization of drug cultivation reflects a preventive, holistic approach that seeks to build resilience in rural communities while maintaining public safety.
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