Hopes are high that the fight against drugs in the country will gain momentum after Cabinet endorsed the National Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023 to 2028. This follows the talanoa session held on drugs at the Fiji National University last month.
Cabinet says the key focus areas under the strategy include reducing demand for narcotics, reducing supply, reducing harm, legislative reform, data collection, analysis and information sharing, establishment of a drug addiction treatment centre, and partnership, coordination and international cooperation. It says the strategy will be implemented through close collaboration between Government agencies, representatives from the private sector, Civil Society Organizations including faith-based organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, the media, and academic institutions.
Cabinet has also approved the establishment of a Fiji Counter Narcotics Bureau which will be an independent institution under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration.
It has been confirmed that the Bureau’s functions will include law enforcement; investigations; prosecution; intelligence gathering; and conducting awareness in collaboration with key agencies.
Cabinet also approved the development of a Fiji Counter Narcotics Bureau Bill to empower the roles and functions of the Bureau. The draft Bill will be considered by Cabinet following the necessary consultation process, before it is tabled in Parliament.
