Fiji faces the challenge of protecting our waters against trans-national organised crime and through the combined efforts of our border agencies along with the support of our partners, has carried out many drug raids in recent times.
This was highlighted by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka while officiating at the opening of the Pacific Regional and National Security Conference at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat this morning.
Rabuka says the value of the drugs seized is estimated to be in the billions of dollars and this is the reality Fiji faces as a hub and transit point in the Pacific.
He says we know that crime and criminal groups do not respect borders but rather, they manipulate borders in their business model.
He adds cyber criminals ignore borders altogether and they can only be disrupted and dismantled by all of us working together.
The Prime Minister further says these challenging times also remind us of the importance of human security.
He says the “triple burden” of non-communicable diseases, mental health, and the climate emergency, are straining health resources everywhere.
Rabuka says the COVID-19 pandemic has also reminded us of the importance of biosecurity in our interconnected world.
He says this dialogue is welcomed as it brings together expertise from across the Blue Pacific, to strengthen the approach to human security.
The conference will conclude this Wednesday.
