Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, has labeled drugs as a national crisis that is harming individuals, families, and communities. He made these remarks during the crowning ceremony of Miss GoldnWater and Miss Charity at the Vodafone GoldnWater Carnival held at Garvey Park in Tavua on Saturday. Prasad emphasized that the consequences of drug use could be catastrophic for the nation if it is not addressed promptly.
He noted that the government has introduced a National Drug and Narcotics Strategy and is enhancing efforts within the Police Force and relevant agencies to combat the spread and impact of drugs within communities.
Prasad urged young people, as well as anyone involved with drugs in any capacity, to refrain from drug use. He stressed that drugs not only ruin individual lives but also the lives of families, friends, and the overall social and economic structure of the country. He warned that the global impact of hard drugs has led to widespread devastation, highlighting the urgent need to address this issue to protect lives and communities.