Push for National Inquiry on drug problems gaining traction – Prof. Biman

The need to set up a National Inquiry regarding drug issues in the country is one of the challenges that the Coalition Government is currently facing.

This has been highlighted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan where he says that having the law is one thing but to have the capacity and the will as the government to do something about these problems is another factor.

Professor Prasad says drugs is not a new problem, this is not a problem that just started yesterday and they need help from stakeholders to combat drug issues by working together to inform those who are highly addicted to drugs.

He says they have to talk about the consequences and effects it has on them and how it can affect their families.

He says people are coming out without fear to give information and part of it was the information gathered by police from people in the community regarding drugs, but as the government they make sure this is to be a priority for government and the fact people are now being nabbed and have been arrested as well.

The Deputy Prime Minister says when they were in opposition, the current Home Affairs Minister, Pio Tikoduadua had moved the motion in parliament asking the government to set up a National Inquiry into the drug problem in the country but that motion was defeated in parliament, and Tikoduadua was assaulted outside parliament by the then Prime Minister on the same day.

He further says this government will not leave any stone unturned to miss out on the discussion regarding drug issues in Fiji and with that, this issue cannot be solved overnight but requires effort from the government with different institutions and stakeholders. He adds a national campaign is also needed to raise awareness about drugs and their effects, and they need the media to assist them with this.