Former Youth Parliamentarians Krishal Prasad, Patricia Subbaiya, and Nishal Narayan
Youth leaders and former Youth Parliamentarians are raising serious concerns about enforcement capacity, public trust, transparency, and rehabilitation during public consultations on the proposed Counter Narcotics Bill.
While giving his submission at the Suva Civic Centre, former Youth Parliamentarian Nishal Narayan says the law alone cannot solve the drug crisis unless it is supported by strong systems and infrastructure.
He says that while courts handle the aftermath, Fiji must first be able to detect and intercept drugs.
He stresses the need for functioning laboratories, intelligent systems, and coordination between police, customs, health, education, and social services.
Narayan warns that legislation without proper capacity is symbolic and ineffective.
He emphasises that rehabilitation and recovery services must be guaranteed in law, not left to goodwill.
He highlights the changing drug landscape in Fiji, saying marijuana was once the most commonly used drug, but methamphetamine, and now cocaine, have entered the country
He cautions that expanding enforcement powers without oversight risks abuse, corruption, and a breakdown of public trust.
Narayan says young people report cases to police with no follow-up, adding that trust in the system is low.
He is calling for independent oversight, transparent reporting, and accessible complaint mechanisms.
He also questions how often police officers undergo drug testing.
Responding to him, Police Officer at the Ministry of Policing, James Lave says drug testing within the Police Force is a subject of ongoing discussion.
He says that while the practice currently exists, they are working to formalise it through policy, and this is under consultation within the Police Act, which would give the Commissioner of Police powers to test officers.
Narayan says that such measures should already be in place, given how long the drug issue has existed.
He says ignoring it today could cost the country an entire generation.
He also stresses the importance of public consultation, saying drug laws should not be decided solely by government.
INSERT: Narayan on drugs present 9th Feb
Lave says consultations on police powers, including drug testing, also take place under the Police Act.
He says that international models are under review, where in some countries officers in drug units have powers to extract biometric samples such as blood, urine, saliva, and hair, adding that Fiji’s Constitution places limits on such powers, and any expansion requires legal authority and possibly constitutional amendments.
Former Youth Parliamentarian Krishal Prasad acknowledges the government’s initiative but urges stronger prevention programmes targeting young people.
He suggests introducing prevention initiatives in schools, universities, and communities, similar to past “Drugs Week” campaigns, and involving individuals who have survived substance abuse to share their experiences with students.
He says such voices can inspire young people to turn away from drugs.
Responding to his submissions, Lave says the legislation considers the protection of children and young people.
He says the Ministry of Education data shows over 3,600 reported cases involving school children in 2023 and provisions are being considered to criminalise adults who use children to sell or transport drugs, or expose them to drug use.
He adds that these measures aim to protect children as Fiji’s future.
Former Youth Parliamentarian Patricia Subbaiya says community consultations reveal three major gaps: transparency, communication, and rehabilitation.
She raises concerns over the misuse of power and lack of feedback given to complainants after lodging reports.
She says many youths file complaints and when they return for updates, they are told the matter is now a legal issue and denied further information.
She suggests the bureau be required to publish annual reports and statistics, and questions what independent oversight will exist to prevent power abuse.
Subbaiya also highlights poor communication, saying some complainants wait months only to be repeatedly told authorities are “working on it.”
She says offenders should also be given a chance at rehabilitation, not only for their benefit, but so they can influence others to choose a better path than drugs.
Lave responds that transparency and data-sharing fall under strategic objective five of the bureau’s strategy, which focuses on gathering, sharing, and using data.
He says the bureau should publish annual reports and, while the police face heavy caseloads, the bureau’s limited scope means providing feedback should not be an issue.
Public consultations on the Counter-Narcotics Bill will continue at the Nasinu Police Bure from this hour.
Tomorrow, they will be held at Saint Vincent De Paul Parish Hall in Nausori from 9am to 12pm, and at the Korovou Police Bure from 2pm to 4.30pm.
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