With more than $4 billion worth of illicit drugs circulating in Fiji over the past three years, Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua has highlighted his support for the allocation of $1.6 million, saying that this will help strengthen the country's counter-narcotics capability in the 2026-2027 National Budget.
While speaking during the Budget debate in parliament this morning, Naivalurua says the investment will support the continued establishment of the Counter-Narcotics Bureau, the recruitment of specialised personnel and the development of the Counter-Narcotics Bill to provide the bureau with a strong legal foundation.
Naivalurua says the Government remains committed to combating illicit drugs and transnational organised crime, noting that more than 2,400 drug-related cases were recorded last year alone.
He says joint operations coordinated through the National Joint Enforcement Centre, with support from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, have already produced positive results, with illicit drug cases dropping by 30 percent and overall crime falling by 18 percent during the first quarter of the 2025-2026 financial year.
The Minister stresses that enforcement alone will not solve the country's drug problem, saying the budget also supports prevention, rehabilitation and greater coordination across Government to make Fiji a safer place to live, work and invest.
Naivalurua also highlighted the Government's commitment to digital transformation, announcing a $17 million allocation for the Digital Transformation Office and Communications portfolio.
He says the funding will modernise Government services, strengthen national connectivity and support the country's transition to a digital economy.
He says Government has identified 788 critical services across ministries, with 385 expected to be digitised by 2030 through initiatives including a whole-of-government chatbot, the Unified Service Portal and the Government Data Exchange Platform.
He says consultations on the National ID Card Bill have been completed and the legislation will soon be tabled in Parliament, while work is also progressing on a National Artificial Intelligence Framework and National Cloud Policy to promote the responsible use of emerging technologies.
The Minister says efforts to improve digital access will continue, with 50 satellite broadband community Wi-Fi sites already operational and more than 300 additional communities expected to be connected under the next phase of the programme.
He further says continued rollout of 5G services and new telecentres in Taveuni, Lau and Ra will further strengthen connectivity nationwide.
Naivalurua also welcomed the $226.5 million allocation for the Fiji Police Force, saying although it is lower than last year's allocation, it will not affect the force's commitment to maintaining public safety and security.
Insert: Naivalurua - It does not diminish FPF commitment July 14
He says the professionalism and integrity of police officers, rather than the size of the budget, defines the strength of the institution.
Addressing recent reports of police misconduct, Naivalurua says a professional police force is one that confronts problems honestly, investigates them fairly and takes action when standards are not met.
He says increased accountability should strengthen public confidence in the Fiji Police Force because it demonstrates that integrity matters and that no one is above the law.
