Fiji needs an effective drug rehabilitation service as illicit drug trafficking has become a major challenge – ACP Raikaci

There is a need for an effective drug rehabilitation service in the country to assist those struggling with drug addiction while illicit drug trafficking has become a major challenge for the country's national security.

While opening the Development of Fiji’s Drug Rehabilitation Workshop at Tanoa Hotel, Chief of Intelligence and Investigations ACP Sakeo Raikaci says the drug trade in the country is driven by a combination of factors, including the country's strategic location in the Pacific, poverty, and corruption.

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.

ACP Raikaci says the illicit drug trade in Fiji has also been fueled by the country’s growing drug addiction problem, which has led to an increase in drug-related crime and violence.

He further says to address these challenges, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration, in consultation with relevant agencies, have developed the National Counter Illicit Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028 that will be tabled to Cabinet around July for endorsement.

He says the purpose of the five-year strategy is to protect the health, safety and security of people who live in Fiji, to promote development and to prevent and reduce the social, economic and environmental drug-related harm in Fiji now and in the future.

ACP Raikaci says the effects of drug abuse can be devastating, not only for individuals, but also for families, communities, and society.

He adds with this, the government has recognized the need for effective drug rehabilitation services to help those struggling with addiction as highlighted in the Strategy under the Harm Reduction Pillar.

He says these centres would provide a range of services, including medical detoxification, counselling, therapy, and support groups, to help individuals address the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction.

He says it would provide a safe and secure environment for drug addicts to recover from their addiction, and the centre would be staffed with trained professionals who would provide round-the-clock care and support to those undergoing treatment.

He also says the centre would provide a range of programs on mid and long-term rehab tailored to the needs of each individual patient, and these programs would include counselling, therapy, and support groups to help patients overcome their addiction and lead a healthy and productive life.

He adds the centre would also provide outreach programs to educate the public on the dangers of drug addiction and encourage individuals struggling with addiction to seek help and assistance from relevant agencies.

The Assistant Commissioner says the establishment of a drug rehabilitation centre in Fiji with suitable programs would be a significant step forward in our fight against drug addiction and the restoration of a person’s life.