National Talanoa on Illicit Drugs to be held today in Lami

A National Talanoa Session on Responding to Illicit Drugs in Fiji will be held today and tomorrow at R.B Harbour Point Convention Centre in Lami.

The session builds on discussions from the 2024 Talanoa and supports the implementation of Fiji’s National Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023–2028.

It comes amid growing concern over the country’s escalating drug crisis, including increased trafficking of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana, as well as a rise in HIV cases linked to drug use.

The Fiji Government, through the Ministry of Policing and Communications, will host the two-day session.

Held in collaboration with Communications Fiji Limited, the gathering is expected to bring together about 170 participants, including senior government officials, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, faith-based groups, youth representatives, private sector leaders, academics, media personnel, and international development partners.

Minister for Policing, Ioane Naivalurua has described the situation as a national emergency and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to a whole-of-nation response.

Naivalurua says that the strategy focuses on three main areas reducing demand through education and prevention programmes targeting children and youth, reducing harm through expanded health and rehabilitation services, and reducing supply through stronger law enforcement, tighter border controls, and plans to establish an independent Counter Narcotics Bureau.

He adds that the key outcomes from the Talanoa will include a review of progress made between 2024 and 2025 and the development of a measurable 24-month Action Plan for 2026 to 2028, with clear targets, timelines and responsibilities.

Discussions will cover education, community resilience, HIV prevention, law enforcement, legal reforms and international cooperation.

Day One will feature open dialogue sessions and expert presentations moderated by CFL News Director, Vijay Narayan tomorrow to encourage transparent and inclusive engagement.

Members of the public will also be able to follow the panel discussions which will be livestreamed on our facebook page and YouTube channel, fijivillage.

Registrations start at 8.30am today and members of the public are welcome to attend and participate in the discussions.

The Government, together with Communications Fiji Limited and its partners, says it remains committed to protecting Fiji’s families, communities and future through coordinated action against illicit drugs.