Government, Vanua and Lotu must unite against drugs – Naivalurua

Fiji’s growing drug crisis requires a united national response, with Government, churches and communities working together to prevent further harm.

This has been highlighted by Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua following a meeting with Assemblies of God Church representative Rev Mosese Cakau this week.

Naivalurua has stressed the urgency of strengthening partnership as authorities confront what he described as an escalating threat to communities, particularly among young people.

Naivalurua acknowledged Fiji’s vulnerability as both a transit and distribution point for illicit drugs, warning that the challenge cannot be addressed by law enforcement alone.

Instead, he says a coordinated effort involving Government agencies, the vanua, religious organisations and families is essential to reduce both supply and demand.

The Minister also confirmed that the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces are currently conducting joint operations under an enhanced strategy aimed at disrupting trafficking networks and strengthening national security efforts.

He says the Fiji Police Force remains committed to addressing the crisis through the DUAVATA framework, which focuses on collaboration between the vanua, lotu and Government, while expanding awareness programmes in schools and communities nationwide.

With young people aged between 18 and 30 identified as among the most affected groups, Minister Naivalurua is urging families to play a more proactive role in prevention and early intervention, stressing that community vigilance remains critical.

Naivalurua emphasised that tackling the drug problem requires both firm enforcement and sustained community engagement, calling on churches to support awareness initiatives and help guide young people away from substance abuse.