“I don’t care if somebody is killed to save hundreds of our younger generation, I support the death penalty. That should be part of the law. Put the military on the ground and start the drug war.”
This was the strong remark from investment consultant Sandeep Singh during the public consultations on the Counter Narcotics Bill held at the Suva Civic Centre.
Singh stresses that the country can no longer afford prolonged public consultation and that strong action is needed from law enforcement agencies to address the drug crisis.
INSERT: Singh on action needed 15th Feb
Singh raised alarm over the scale of the drug situation in Fiji, claiming nearly 45 percent of the population is affected by drugs and linking the crisis to rising HIV cases and other social issues.
He also questioned the financial scale of the drug trade, asking how a country with a $4 billion national budget could have an estimated $2 billion to $3 billion worth of drugs and who is financing it.
Singh is calling for the immediate establishment of a specialised drug court to streamline drug-related cases, saying it should focus solely on drug offences, fast-track cases, enforce a strict no-bail policy and deal decisively with those involved in the production, sale or distribution of drugs.
He also suggested clear judicial procedures for handling drug evidence and is calling for immediate testing, reporting and destruction of drugs once court processes are complete.
INSERT: Singh on evidence 15th Feb
He further called for stronger penalties and accountability measures, saying this is not the time for dialogue or leniency and suggesting that there should be no bail for anyone found with more than five grams of drugs for consumption, production, sale or manufacture.
Responding to him, Police Officer with the Ministry of Policing, James Lave explained that seized drugs are first sent for forensic testing, after which a report is produced.
He says the defence is then given a specified period to challenge the findings, and after that, applications can be made to the court for the destruction of the drugs.
Addressing concerns about missing evidence, Lave acknowledged that such situations have occurred but says that all incidents are taken seriously.
He says whenever drugs go missing, investigations proceed like any other report received, officers involved are subjected to the full investigative process, and any wrongdoing is addressed.
He also highlighted past examples where drugs were tested, presented in court and subsequently destroyed following judicial approval.
He adds that safeguards are in place; however, stricter implementation is needed to ensure the process is faster, more transparent and accountable.
The public consultation forms part of a nationwide effort to gather feedback on the Counter Narcotics Bill as Fiji grapples with rising drug use and its social and economic consequences.
Authorities say the input will help shape a stronger and more enforceable legal framework to combat narcotics while balancing enforcement with rehabilitation measures.
Meanwhile, public consultations on the Counter Narcotics Bill will be held at Naulumatua House in Nabouwalu from 9am to 1pm today.
