National Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023 to 2028 to be launched tomorrow

The National Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023 to 2028 will be launched by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad tomorrow as we mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Fiji.

The Ministry for Home Affairs and Immigration says Fiji is at a critical crossroad in addressing the surge of synthetic drugs, particularly methamphetamine, which poses a substantial threat to both public health and societal safety.

It says the increasing prevalence of methamphetamine has been marked by a rise in seizures by law enforcement, indicating not only a domestic issue but also Fiji's geographical location which makes it an attractive destination and transshipment point for transnational organized crime networks.

The Ministry says Fiji and the region’s proximity to countries of origin for illicit drugs from Southeast Asia and the Americas will likely continue to attract these networks unless robust comprehensive efforts are made to stem the supply and demand which continues to emerge.

It says the strategy is a whole of nation approach and is aimed protecting public health, safety, and security while minimizing socio-economic harm.

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 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 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 report 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”.

The launch will take place at 10am tomorrow at the Fiji National University Campus in Nasinu.