Drug problem demands a moral public awakening - Naivalurua

Illicit drug trafficking, including narcotics, methamphetamine and emerging synthetic drugs, is not just a law enforcement concern, it is a national emergency, undermining the social fabric, threatening public health and fueling transnational crime.

Minister for Policing, Ioane Naivalurua says this problem demands a moral awakening.

He says the allocation of $1.9 million for the operational establishment of the Counter Narcotics Bureau is therefore both timely and commendable, which will enhance their campaign against drugs.

The Ministry is finalising a formal bilateral partnership with the Indonesian National Narcotics Agency.

He says increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure across 11 designated sectors pose significant risks to Fiji's national interest.

He says a major cyber incident would paralyse public services, compromise citizen data and erode trust.

Naivalurua says the allocation of $112,500 will support the implementation of a structured and sector-aligned critical infrastructure cyber security framework.

The Minister further says that the trust of people is hard-earned and easily lost and there are ongoing court cases involving some officers of the Counter Narcotics Bureau.

Naivalurua adds that these incidents, while deeply disappointing, serve as necessary lessons.

While supporting the 2025/2026 National Budget, Naivalurua says safety and security are the bedrock of national development; they underpin economic growth, sustain social progress, and ensure the well-being of every Fijian.

He stresses that this budget is committed to supporting the police and ensuring that Fiji remains safe.

Naivalurua says this budget will empower the Ministry of Policing and the Fiji Police Force to accomplish their mission because, without peace and stability, there is no sustainable development.

He says that without strong policing and effective national security institutions can’t build public confidence.

The Minister has commended the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, and his team for delivering a comprehensive and strategic budget that responds to the realities of our time today.

He says earlier this year, the Prime Minister took a bold and visionary step to establish the Ministry of Policing, a dedicated institution through clear policy direction, coordination and good governance.

He says this move signals a new era in law enforcement, a transformation that aligns with the national aspirations for safety, trust and justice.

Naivalurua says to fulfill core functions, the Government has allocated $3.8 million for the establishment of the Ministry's administrative and policy cadre, comprising 25 new positions.

He says this investment is not merely impersonal, it is a commitment to institutional resilience that will enable them to strengthen internal capacity, improve policy relations and delivery and enhance coordination with the Police Force at both strategic and operational levels.