Fiji Revenue Customs recently inaugurated the handover of advanced drug detection equipment, including one TruNarc and two FirstDefender units, at the Suva Wharf. This initiative, backed by UNDP Pacific and funded by the government of Japan, aims to strengthen Fiji’s defenses against the trafficking and illegal exportation of narcotics and harmful substances.
With training provided for border officials on using this cutting-edge technology, these officers will be empowered to identify and classify drugs on the spot, eliminating the need to wait for laboratory test results that can take days or even weeks.
Highlighting the significance of this new capability, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, emphasized that the equipment allows officers to scan and identify narcotics without physically opening packages. This enhances the integrity of evidence while minimizing risks associated with handling potentially dangerous substances.
In light of recent alarming drug-related incidents globally, such as a significant drug raid in Spain, the government of Japan has expressed its concerns over the rising drug cases in Fiji. The raid, labeled as the second-largest anti-narcotics operation in the European Union, serves as a grim reminder of the growing threats posed by organized crime and drug trafficking.
UNDP Pacific also pointed out that the community has a crucial role to play in combating drug-related issues, underscoring that what unfolds at the ports can significantly impact the livelihoods of Fijian families. Therefore, a comprehensive societal approach is essential to effectively address this pressing challenge.
Fiji Revenue Customs remains hopeful that this state-of-the-art equipment will help reduce crime rates and drug misuse in the country, creating a safer environment for all citizens.
This initiative is a promising development in the ongoing fight against drugs in Fiji, reflecting a collaborative effort to safeguard communities and uphold the well-being of its people.
Leave a comment