Drug issue in Fiji needs a wider response from the whole community - Japanese Ambassador

The drug issue in Fiji needs a wider response from the whole community.

That is the strong message from Japanese Ambassador to Fiji, Hiroshi Tajima while speaking at the Finalization and Validation Workshop of the Counter Narcotics Bill.

This is part of the partnership between the Ministry of Policing and Communications, the Government of Japan and UNICEF on protecting children and adolescents from Fiji's drug crisis. 

Ambassador Tajima says the efforts must include prevention, early intervention, rehabilitation, and child sensitive approaches.

He adds that the workshop will help finalize the Counter Narcotics Bill, ensuring it is practical, inclusive, and supports a long term solution to Fiji’s drug challenges.

UNICEF Representative Hamish Young says they are grateful for the support from the Government of Japan, which has enabled a four year initiative focused on protecting children, adolescents, and their families from the impact of the drug crisis.

With US$5.48 million in funding from the Government of Japan, the four-year project will reach more than 150,000 children, including 10,000 at risk adolescents.

It will also support 300 children and adolescents in conflict with the law, as well as thousands of teachers, service providers, community members, parents, and caregivers.

Fiji has seen a worrying increase in drug trafficking and use in recent years, with more children being exposed to harmful environments at younger ages.

According to Fiji Police, more than 4.2 tonnes of methamphetamine were confiscated in early 2024.

The Fiji Police Force also recorded 2,446 cases of illicit drug activity between May 2024 and May 2025, including 50 cases involving children.

Drug use in schools has also been rising, with the Substance Abuse Advisory Council reporting a rising number of cases, from 2,400 in 2021 to 3,143 in 2025.

This will ensure that when a child reaches out, support is available in a timely and coordinated manner, with early intervention directly linked to available services.

Acting Attorney General, Minister for Policing and Communications, Siromi Turaga says the establishment of the Counter Narcotics Bureau is one of the government’s most important initiatives to address illicit drug challenges in Fiji.

He says the Bureau will operate as a multi-agency mechanism, working closely with the Fiji Police Force, Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, Immigration Department, Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Navy, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, and other relevant agencies, as well as regional and international partners.