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20 April, 2026, 6:37 pm
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20 April, 2026, 6:37 pm Central - 24°C Clouds

Tui Labasa calls for suspension of rights for drug offenders

Tui Labasa calls for suspension of rights for drug offenders

By Rashika Kumar
20/04/2026
Tui Labasa Ratu Jone Qomate says those involved in the dealing, trafficking, manufacturing, or importing drugs should have their rights immediately suspended.  

While speaking to fijivillage News earlier, Ratu Jone says their rights should be suspended temporarily as they are waging war against our population and our children.

He stresses that they should be put in jail, and the legal process should be dealt with afterwards while any international considerations can be addressed later.

Ratu Jone says it may sound extreme, but we have to start somewhere.

He also says that bringing back the death penalty will not solve anything.

The Tui Labasa says drug users can be rehabilitated through proper centres but manufacturers and traffickers are different as they are operating for commercial gain and that is where the real damage lies.

He stresses that the government should seriously invest in rehabilitation centres for users and addicts.

Ratu Jone also says that we need stronger action and he supports the army assisting the police and using guns. 

He also says that some communities have responded to drug issues by removing or banning offenders, but this is seen as ineffective because it only shifts the problem elsewhere.

The Tui Labasa says that Fiji needs proper rehabilitation systems, noting that current facilities like Saint Giles offer limited support.
He is calling for the development of more rehabilitation centres and a stronger, more aggressive national response.



Click here for stories on the Drugs Situation in Fiji

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