We will have a specialised Drug and Narcotics Bureau - Tikoduadua

Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua says they are working with our development partners to build a specialised Drug and Narcotics Bureau.

While elaborating in parliament, Tikoduadua says this new bureau will be tasked with the effective intelligence gathering, prevention and the prosecution of those who are responsible for this threat to Fiji.

He says the illicit drug trade in our country threatens the very fabric of our society as it is not simply a criminal enterprise but it is a multifaceted scourge that undermines our social, economic, and moral structures, with a particularly devastating impact on our youth. Tikoduadua says the infiltration of drugs into our communities has far-reaching consequences.

He says the drug trade erodes the potential of our young people, drawing them away from education and productive activities into cycles of dependency and despair.

He says the drug trade, with its false promises of quick wealth, ensnares not just individuals but entire families and communities, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and lawlessness.

Tikoduadua stresses that the government is acutely aware of the gravity of this issue and the need for a comprehensive and multi-pronged strategy to combat it.

He says their approach is anchored in education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement, with a particular emphasis on safeguarding our youth.

Tikoduadua says they are committed to launching national awareness campaigns aimed at educating our citizens, especially our young people, about the dangers and consequences of drug use and involvement in the drug trade.

He says by strengthening our educational programs and community outreach, they aim to build resilience among our youth, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to make informed choices.

Tikoduadua says they recognize the importance of compassion and support in addressing drug dependency, and the government will enhance access to treatment and rehabilitation services.

To disrupt the drug trade and hold those responsible to account, they are bolstering the law enforcement capabilities and reviewing our legal framework.

This includes enhancing inter-agency cooperation, both domestically and internationally, to effectively tackle drug trafficking networks.

He adds that the battle against drugs cannot be won by government action alone.

He says it requires the active participation of our communities, and they will foster partnerships with community leaders, civil society organizations, and international partners to create a united front against the drug menace.