Police have intensified border control, particularly focusing on maritime areas, to address drug trafficking issues. This was stated by Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations (ACP) Livai Driu during the World Maritime Day 2024 event in Suva. He mentioned that the police have established a framework in collaboration with customs, immigration, and fisheries to tackle these problems.
ACP Driu expressed concern over the increasing number of yachts potentially connected to drug trafficking activities. He noted that many of these vessels do not enter through official channels and often make landfall in vulnerable locations, such as the Eastern Lau group and Vanua Levu.
He emphasized the necessity of international collaboration and intelligence sharing in the fight against drug trafficking. While community members have been critical of police operations, ACP Driu reassured that their focus would remain on maintaining visibility and managing drug traffic, as well as enhancing intelligence both domestically and within regional nations.