A new trend in drug trafficking has emerged where criminals are posing as pastors and elderly women to evade detection by border officers in Fiji.
Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister for Immigration and Home Affairs, highlighted this issue as a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies. He noted that traffickers are often able to enter the country through international airports while concealing drugs.
“Some of them are impersonating a italatala (pastor) or an old woman to exploit the situation,” Mr. Tikoduadua stated. “They present various appearances, and we must ensure we apprehend them.”
Mr. Tikoduadua praised the country’s law enforcement for their efforts in safeguarding Fiji’s borders against drug trafficking. He emphasized that the fight against drugs requires a collective effort.
“I urge the public to recognize that this national action plan against drugs is a shared responsibility. It is not solely the duty of the police or business leaders; many of them possess the resources to contribute effectively to this cause.”