Minister for Defence, National Security and Policing, Inia Seruiratu confirms that the Fiji Police Force has restructured its National Drug Unit and is transitioning to the development of the Police Narcotics Unit which is the first step in establishing a National Narcotics Bureau.
He says the Unit will be totally isolated from the force and will only be providing briefings to the Police Commissioner, the Minister responsible and the Prime Minister.
He confirmed this while speaking against a motion by SODELPA MP Adi Litia Qionibaravi to establish a special committee to inquire into the impacts of drug-related abuse and make recommendations on how the use of drugs can be reduced.
Seruiratu says $200,000 from the $1 million allocation for drug operations has been allocated for the establishment of the Unit.
He adds that a Memorandum of Understanding has also been signed upon with the Indonesian Narcotics Bureau to focus on the threats of the Asian market.
The Minister has also confirmed that a National Narcotics Strategy will soon be presented in parliament that aims to ensure health, safety and security, promote development, and reduce social and economic impacts of drug related harm in Fiji.
He says that had it not been because of COVID-19, it would have already been tabled in parliament.
He says they are also reviewing the existing laws including the Illicit Drug Control Act which as been completed and is in the consultation stages and will be presented in parliament in the next 6 months.
The Minister also hit back at comments made by SODELPA MP Salote Radrodro who had said that the borders must be closed as yachts maybe bringing in drugs to the country.
While speaking in support of the motion, Radrodro says a big performance indicator that the legislation and framework are just not working is the drug seizures this year worth approximately $133 million.
