Opposition admits shortcomings in tackling drug crisis and calls for independent Narcotics Bureau

Opposition admits shortcomings in tackling drug crisis and calls for independent Narcotics Bureau

By Rashika Kumar
07/12/2024
Leader of Opposition, Inia Seruitatu and Opposition MP Jone Usamate

Leader of Opposition, Inia Seruitatu says they in the previous government were probably overconfident in what they were doing to tackle the drugs issue and the pending work that needed to be done.

When questioned by the media during a press conference on whether they could have handled the drugs problem better, Seruiratu says they could have probably done better as well.

Seruitatu says that they were given advice on what they were doing and what things are in progress.

When questioned by fijivillage News if he admits that it was the wrong position, Seruitatu says it's up to interpretation.

0% buffered00:00Current time00:00

He also says he convinced Drug Free World Fiji founder Kalesi Volatabu to come to Fiji when he met her in Brisbane and says she is doing an excellent job.

Seruiratu says if drugs are the biggest threat we are facing apart from climate change, then the effort and the resources must be allocated accordingly so that the Narcotics Bureau can take off and address the issue.

Opposition MP Jone Usamate says the volume of drugs coming to this part of the world is not the same.

He says we are right on the edge of the big markets in Australia, New Zealand, and people are using submersibles and all kinds of different strategies to get the drugs.

Usamate says when the volume goes up, the parameters and the methods that used to counter it has to change and he believes that this is what the government is trying to do now, to evolve that according to the situation again.

He also says the Narcotics Bureau that comes under the Ministry of Defence needs to be independent.

FEATURE NEWS
Police officer and 2 others charged after 4kg meth seized in Nadi
Three men including a Police officer have been arrested after four kilograms of methamphetamine was seized at Nadi International Airport while authori...
4 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Man and woman charged with murder after woman allegedly assaulted to death in Nausori
A man who, along with a woman, allegedly assaulted his partner to death will appear in the Nausori Magistrates Court today. Police say the woman, ...
2 hours ago

Ratu Sukuna's legacy inspires renewed focus on iTaukei traditions - Toganivalu
It is very important for the iTaukei to know their identity, roots, culture, and traditions. The Deputy CEO of the iTaukei Affairs Board, Josefa ...
2 hours ago

No major recovery of fentanyl - FRCS
No major recovery of fentanyl has been recorded in Fiji, however, this remains on the Fiji Revenue Customs Service radar as it has been proliferating ...
2 hours ago

Viliame Naupoto to appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan at 7pm Wednesday
Minister for Immigration, Viliame Naupoto will appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan at 7pm this Wednesday. The candid interview ...
3 hours ago

$5M Bhindi Group real estate project set to boost housing and business in Nadi
Exciting news for potential home buyers in Western Division as the Bhindi Group of Companies is set to launch a $5 million real estate development ...
3 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

Tragedy at PRB Flats: Couple found dead in suspected murder-suicide in April
A couple were found dead at the new Lagilagi Public Rental Board Flats today and it is alleged at this stage that it was a murder suicide case on ...
14 days ago

Tevita Ikanivere on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show focuses on Ikanivere’s journey, his family, career and how far the Drua has ...
27 days ago

TOP