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
Wednesday 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
No shortage of funds for Health Ministry – Prof. Prasad
There is no shortage of funds for the Ministry of Health to ensure that all the services and equipment are available in the hospitals. Deputy Prime...
9 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
OHS investigates Sigatoka resort drowning over emergency resource concerns
The Ministry of Employment’s Occupational Health and Safety Division will begin an investigation into the claims that there weren’t enough ...
8 hours ago

About 200 people live in Lautoka streets due to addiction to glue and hard drugs – Adult Teen Challenge Fiji
About 200 people are living in the streets of Lautoka with addiction to glue and hard drugs while 12 months ago there were 90 people on the ...
8 hours ago

Online Safety Commission receives reports that some social media accounts are uploading intimate videos and photos that feature other people
It has been brought to the attention of the Online Safety Commission that there are some social media accounts which are uploading intimate videos ...
8 hours ago

Health Ministry awaits decision on CWM Hospital radiology and pharmacy services normalisation
The Ministry of Health is expecting a response from the Ministry of Civil Service by this afternoon or tomorrow to ensure that radiology and pharmacy ...
8 hours ago

Thousands of women celebrate Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei’s 100th anniversary
Thousands of women from the 14 provinces in Fiji gathered at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama ...
10 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Ratu Wiliame Katonivere declines Presidential nomination after an internal audit and investigation report
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka confirms that President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere decided to decline Rabuka's nomination of him to serve a second term ...
16 hours ago

Sashi Kiran appears on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran appears on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
3 days ago

Pio Tikoduadua appears on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua appears on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
3 days ago

TOP