Authorities in Fiji continue to face significant challenges in removing drug peddlers from the streets. Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua stated in an interview with The Lens@177 that both the government and police have faced criticism, as the public perceives that only raids are being conducted.
“There are bad people, we catch them and try to stop them from doing bad things, including the peddlers,” Tikoduadua said.
“Peddlers are like worker ants; they are not the bosses and do not ultimately benefit. They are merely intermediaries. They are quite sophisticated and motivated by different needs. People peddle because they have to pay for the necessities of life.”
He emphasized the importance of understanding the underlying reasons behind drug peddling but stated that repeat offenders who refuse to reform deserve to face the full extent of the law.
Tikoduadua also mentioned that the new counter-narcotics strategy would address the issue of drug peddlers and how to deal with persistent offenders.
“We want to believe that people are inherently good, but there are some very bad individuals out there. Anyone who peddles drugs without reason deserves to be held accountable,” he said.
“We aim to stop them and provide no room for them to maneuver. These peddlers may be cunning and try to outwit us, but we have smarter and more responsible people in Fiji. The major distinction between peddlers and the good people in our community is that the latter are responsible.”
This article was originally posted on The Fiji Times.