Fiji launches Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028
The drug trade in Fiji is driven by Fiji's strategic location, poverty and corruption – Prof Prasad

Fiji launches Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028

The drug trade in Fiji is driven by Fiji's strategic location, poverty and corruption – Prof Prasad

By Navitalai Naivalurua
26/06/2024
[L-R] Lillian Wenavanua of Delanamasi Government School, Deputy PM and Acting Home Affairs Minister Prof Biman Prasad and Tuana Kateke of Ratu Sukuna Memorial delivered opening remarks at the National Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028.

It is a milestone achievement for the country today as Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Professor Biman Prasad launched the National Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028.

While speaking at the launch at the Fiji National University Nasinu Campus, Professor Prasad says the illicit drug trafficking business has evolved dramatically over the years and recently, Fiji has experienced a range of security challenges that have threatened the balance and prosperity of our nation, ranging from both traditional and non-traditional security threats such as human trafficking, natural disasters and of course COVID19 pandemic that swept through the globe.

He says these events have had serious economic, social, and political consequences for the country, and have created an environment that is conducive to criminality, including drug trafficking.

He adds these challenges have been exacerbated by the growing illicit drug business in the country.

The Deputy Prime Minister says illicit drug trafficking has become a major challenge for Fiji's national security and the drug trade in Fiji is driven by a combination of factors, including the country's strategic location in the Pacific, poverty, and corruption to name a few.

He says Fiji serves as a transit point for drug trafficking organizations that transport drugs from the Asian region to Australia and New Zealand which are key international markets for illicit drugs. Professor Prasad says the illicit drug trade in Fiji has also been fueled by our own growing drug addiction problem, which has led to an increase in drug-related crime and violence.

He further says the drug trade in Fiji erodes the very social fabric of our community, resulting in a devastating impact on individuals and families who are affected by drug addiction and drug-related crimes.

The Acting Minister says this strategic document lays out a whole-of-nation approach in this fight against illicit narcotics and is a significant step for the country, consolidating all our efforts to address the drug problem the country is currently experiencing.

Professor Prasad says the Strategy will be operationalised through a governance Framework which comprises the Counter Narcotics Committee (CNC) and Coordination and Steering Committee (CSC) that reports directly to the Cabinet through the National Security Council (NSC).

He adds Government agencies, the private sector, civil society organizations, NGOs, and academic institutions will collaborate within this framework.

The key strategic pillars covered in the Counter Narcotics Strategy framework include demand reduction which emphasizes prevention efforts, targeting children, young people, and communities through evidence-based initiatives; supply reduction, which focuses on preventing and countering illicit drug activities to ensure safety and security; harm reduction will aim to provide treatment and recovery pathways while proactively reducing high-risk behaviour associated with drug use; and legal reform which proposes reviews and enhancements to existing laws and mechanisms to effectively address the drug problem. The strategic focus areas also encompass data collection, establishment of a Drug Court, and partnership/international cooperation.

The Ministry for Home Affairs and Immigration says the Counter Narcotics Strategy represents a comprehensive approach to address Fiji's drug-related challenges, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and collaboration across sectors.

It says through effective implementation and continuous evaluation, Fiji aims to mitigate the adverse impact of illicit narcotics on its citizens and society.

The Strategy will be operationalised through a governance Framework which comprises of the Counter Narcotics Committee and Coordination and Steering Committee that reports to Cabinet through the National Security Council.

Government agencies, private sectors, civil society organizations, NGOs, and academic institutions will collaborate within this framework.

A National Counter Narcotics Action Plan for July 2024 to July 2025 has been developed to operationalize the strategy, subject to annual review.

This year’s theme for International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is The Evidence Is Clear: Invest in Prevention”.

Click here for stories on the Drugs Situation in Fiji

FEATURE NEWS
Emotional Wainiqolo dedicates Flying Fijians win to late father, mother and wife
An emotional Jiuta Wainiqolo has dedicated the Fiji Water Flying Fijians 29-14 win over Scotland, to his late father. Wainiqolo also dedicated it t...
10 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Savea calls for clinical execution as All Blacks prepare for second Test against France
Stand-in All Blacks captain Ardie Savea says his side needs to be more clinical and play in the right areas of the field when they take on France in ...
13 hours ago

Nadi set to celebrate Bula Festival next week with culture, charity and youth empowerment
Nadi is looking forward to the Bula Festival next week, with a focus on showcasing Fijian culture, providing entertainment, and raising funds for ...
14 hours ago

Fiji Museum receives 130 artifacts from the late David Gilmour’s collection
130 artifacts of 108 photographs, 16 traditional war clubs and 6 tabua have been donated by the Wakaya Perfection Trustees to the Fiji ...
14 hours ago

Fiji is stronger when everyone stands together - SODELPA
In the wake of the recent attack on the Shiv Mandir in Samabula, members of the SODELPA Party have visited the temple to personally express their ...
14 hours ago

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha calls for stronger protection of places of worship
The Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji has also strongly condemned the recent shameful and despicable act of sacrilege at the Samabula Shiv Temple and is ...
14 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Professor Prasad on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show will focus on the 2025/2026 National Budget.
4 days ago

Tui Nayau and Tui Lau Installation
The ceremony for the installation of the Tui Nayau Sau ni Vanua o Lau will be held tomorrow, while the installation ceremony of the Tui Lau will be held in Tubou on Thursday.
6 days ago

CFL 40th Birthday
CFL’s 40th Anniversary celebrations to culminate with free concert at Albert Park on ...
9 days ago

TOP