Fiji will become a nation of zombies if nothing is done about drugs - Tikoduadua

Fiji will become a nation of zombies if nothing is done about drugs - Tikoduadua

Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua says the issue of drugs in Fiji is second only as a matter of threat to climate change and if nothing is done, Fiji will become a nation of zombies.

While speaking at the opening ceremony of the Pacific Regional Vessel Boarding and Search Training Facility at the Naval Base in Togalevu, Tikoduadua says some people were attracted to these drugs on the streets and it is also concerning that just a week ago, a bag containing methamphetamine washed ashore at Yasawa and at the same time, such drugs washed up in Northern Australia.

He adds drugs also washed ashore in Tonga and Samoa and this indicates that the threat is shared by all nations who share a common border, which is the sea.

While commending the establishment of the new facility in Fiji, Tikoduadua says this marks a significant milestone in enhancing maritime security in the Pacific region.

He says this initiative is the first in the Pacific to support the transformative strategy of the Blue Pacific to strengthen regional security.

The Minister says the traditional security threats and criminal activities, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, crime syndicates, illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing and cybercrime continue to pose a greater challenge in the region.

He adds these activities are anticipated to increase over the years due to the advancement of technologies and the porous nature of our shared maritime borders.

Tikoduadua highlighted that our food and economic security are closely linked to our maritime security, and the Blue Pacific acts as a vital connecting country and people, a community providing hope for all of us.