Independent Member of Parliament Ioane Naivalurua emphasizes that tackling the drug issue demands an immediate and vigorous response rather than a bureaucratic approach.
During the debate on the 2024-2025 Budget, Naivalurua called for the creation of a Joint Select Committee for Parliamentary Oversight to monitor and review the implementation and progress of the Coalition Government’s Counter Narcotics Strategy. He stressed the necessity for proactive and precise actions in combating drugs.
Although he commended the efforts of the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration in establishing a Narcotics Bureau, Naivalurua pointed out that the situation appears to have worsened, with drugs being easily accessible on the streets.
Naivalurua questioned whether the government’s efforts are commensurate with the crisis, suggesting that much of the Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023 remains unfunded across various ministries.
While acknowledging the launch of the Counter Narcotics Strategy as a positive development, he posed critical questions regarding its effectiveness in disrupting drug flow, sending a strong message to drug syndicates, fostering national unity in the fight against drugs, and restoring Fiji to a safe and stable nation.