Fiji Drug Awareness

The fight against drugs in the country has largely been hindered by stakeholders working in silos.

This was revealed this week by Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration permanent secretary, Mason Smith, while speaking to The Sunday Times following the launch of the National Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028 at Fiji National University campus in Nasinu.

“When we did the problem analysis, one of the major issues found was everyone was people working in isolation….in silos….. there was no partnerships internationally,” he said.

Fiji’s battle against drugs The fight against drugs in the country has largely been hindered by stakeholders working in silos.

The Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration in collaboration with the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat organized a consultation on the Regional Security Strategy at the Fiji National University (Nasinu Campus) - on Tuesday 25th June 2024.

The objective of this meeting is to consult with key government agencies, civil society organizations, non- governmental organizations, faith-based institutions, and academies regarding hte draft Melanesian Spearhead Group Security Strategy (MSG - SS).

Theme: “Building a Secure and Resilient Melanesian Community
for the Future”

Participating countries:
The Governments of the Republic of Fiji, Independent State of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, the Republic of Vanuatu, and the Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS) of New Caledonia, Members, and Republic of Indonesia, Associate Member, of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, having agreed to the common principles guiding
the Regional Security Strategy.

Invitation was disseminated to the following:
The Chair of the Great Council of Chiefs
The Chief Executive Officer Citizens Constitutional Forum
The Coordinator Fiji Women's Crisis Center
The Executive Director Fiji Council of Social Services
The Executive Director Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons
The Founder of Drug Free World Fiji
The General Secretary for Fiji Council of Churches
The General Secretary Pacific Conference of Churches
The President of the Fiji Law Society
The Vice Chancellor for the Fiji National University
The Vice Chancellor for the University of Fiji
The Vice Chancellor for the University of the South Pacific

A great opportunity to share and connect with like minded people and representatives from various organizations and stakeholders.

MISSION STATEMENT
A safe and prosperous region, affording protection to its people, culture,
relationships, and manifold resources - in the air, on our land, and in our seas.
VALUES
Our values are:
• patriotism,
• national unity,
• rule of law,
• democracy,
• human dignity,
• social justice,
• inclusiveness; and
• equity.

Vinaka Vakalevu for the opportunity to participate in this integral event.

Vinaka Vakalevu

Home Affairs permanent secretary Mason Smith says a partnership with the Fiji National University will help Government in its war on human trafficking and illicit drugs.

Home Affairs MoU with FNU to combat trafficking, drugs Home Affairs permanent secretary Mason Smith says MoU with the FNU will help Government in its war on human trafficking and illicit drugs.

- For the set up of drug rehabilitation centres in Fiji, we have introduced a tax holiday of 13 years, including duty free importation of capital goods required for the establishment of the center. We are also going to provide a full tax deduction for businesses that donate to any drug rehabilitation centre. Whilst we encourage non-governmental organisations, the government is also exploring options for the setup of such centres.

- The Ministry of Home Affairs has also launched the Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028 with a focus on seven strategic areas, including demand reduction, supply reduction, harm reduction, legal reform, data collection, establishment of a Drug Court, and partnership and international cooperation.

- Through this Budget they are establishing a Narcotics Bureau within the Ministry of Home Affairs with a total budget provision of $2 million. The Narcotics Bureau will focus on law enforcement; investigations; prosecution; intelligence gathering; and conducting awareness in collaboration with key agencies.

UPDATES: 2024-2025 National Budget Coverage UPDATES: 2024-2025 National Budget Coverage

Fiji's Finance Minister Biman Prasad unveiled the coalition government's second Budget on Friday, saying "the focus must be on raising incomes and improving the peoples overall quality of life".

Prasad announced the total government expenditure for the 2024-2025 Budget will be of FJ$4.552 billion with the projected revenue of $3.917b - a net deficit of about FJ$635.5, or 4.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product.

It aims to address government debt, cost of living, funding boosts for education, deteriorating infrastructure, and funding for a narcotics bureau.

'Focus on improving incomes' - Finance Minister on Fiji Budget While delivering the coalition's second Budget, Finance Minister Biman Prasad said the government must act faster to address its serious skills shortage and drug crisis.

The people of Nasigatoka in Namosi have been reminded to address the issue of drugs and HIV at the grassroots level.

Speaking at a village hall during a project visitation, permanent secretary for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Isoa Talemaibua said there was a need for a multi-sectoral approach to bolster the fight against drugs and HIV, among other social issues.

“We have to strongly advocate against the usage of drugs, educate our young ones on HIV and make it a habit to talk about it every day, whether it be at home, school, church or the vanua,” said Mr Taleimaibua.

“If we don’t talk about it now and consider some matters taboo, we will face the repercussions later.”

Mr Talemaibua said drugs were infiltrating rural and maritime regions.

PS speaks on drugs and HIV The people of Nasigatoka in Namosi have been reminded to address the issue of drugs and HIV at the grassroots level.

A budget of two-million dollars has been allocated for the establishing a Narcotics Bureau within the Ministry of Home Affairs.

With Fiji grappling with a growing drug culture, the new bureau will focus on law enforcement, investigations, prosecution, intelligence gathering, and conducting awareness in collaboration with key agencies.

$2m for narcotics bureau; tax rebate also announced A budget of two-million dollars has been allocated for the establishing a Narcotics Bureau within the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Individuals in Nasigatoka Village, Namosi, who are engaged in drug activities will be removed, says turaganikoro (headman) Dominico Camaitoga.

Drugs infiltration worry prompts village decision

Vinaka Vakalevu for the opportunity to present to everyone at the Bose Levu Vakaturaga ni Yasana o Rewa today.

On behalf of the team we would like to extended our humble appreciation to the following;
- Ro Macanawai Mataitini
- Ro TEMUMU Vuikaba Kepa
- Ro Naulu Mataitini
- Ratu Yaca Vulaidauaiga
- Rt Sanaila Mudunavosa
- Ratu Kevueli Matanitobuya (Beqa)
- Ratu Masi Saqanavere
- Samu Togenanavanua
- Ratu Aporosa Todua
Other distinguished guests and members of the Rewa Provincial Council, for the opportunity for us to participate in your general meeting today, as part of the Rewa Care Project. We look forward to conducting our first delivery in the coming weeks, on the 23July2024.

Today, Dr Dashika delivered on the alarming statistics on HIV - 415 new cases for 2022/2023, and the alarming numbers of these due to intravenous drug use (needle sharing and ‘Bluetoothing’ sharing of blood).

We shared on the following;
- History of Drugs in Fiji from the 1800-2024
- How Fiji became a Cartel Paradise
- How is Fiji grappling with spike in Crime Rate, loss of lives, violence against women and illicit drugs cases

Na neitou Kerekere raraba ke da sega ni valuta na waigaga ni veimatenitaki sa tu i qo i Viti, na noda vei kawa na yali yani…. Our heartfelt plead for all, we need to fight this together, the future of Fiji is in our hands!!! Only together we can make the constructive and sound changes for Fiji 🇫🇯

Several critical factors – such as the lack of resources, weak frameworks and a lack of information on chemicals crossing the border – are all detrimental to Fiji’s fight against the drug scourge. These have been highlighted in the Fiji Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028, which was launched in Suva on Wednesday.

Strategy to tackle drug abuse Several critical factors – such as the lack of resources, weak frameworks and a lack of information on chemicals crossing the border – are all detrimental to Fiji's fight against the drug scourge.

To fight drugs, $2 million has been allocated in the 2024/2025 National Budget to establish a Narcotics Bureau within the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad says the Narcotics Bureau will focus on law enforcement; investigations; prosecution; intelligence gathering; and conducting awareness in collaboration with key agencies.

$2 million allocated to Narcotics Bureau, Govt sets tax holiday for drug rehab centre setup To fight drugs, $2 million has been allocated in the 2024/2025 National Budget to establish a Narcotics Bureau within the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Vinaka Vakalevu Team for the invitation to participate in the Breaking The Silence Conference today.

Great to see the following books:
- The Ones Jesus Loves
- Disruptive Voices of Fiji Women
- Disruptive Voices of Pacific Men
All books by: Letitia Shelton
If you want to know where to pick up a book, contact 299 0402 or

Standing in the Gap, being the Voice, Breaking the Silence… it’s amazing what happens when we come from living small to leading strong!! For Viti 🇫🇯 Noqu Viti 👊🏾

Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci

The government’s leadership in the fight against drugs demonstrates its deep concern about the issue.

Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci says the 2023–2028 National Counter Narcotics Strategy is the best way forward.

Raikaci says the strategy provides a holistic approach to tackling the issue and safeguarding children.

Government leads fight against drugs: Raikaci Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci says the 2023–2028 National Counter Narcotics Strategy is the best way forward.

It’s action time, says Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga.

Speaking after the launch of the much-awaited Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028, Mr Turaga said the strategy was long overdue, and it was time to focus on the people involved in the trade.

“We hope that with close collaboration of our partners from Australia, New Zealand and the US, we are finally going to get some people who were involved to be held accountable,” he said.

“There’s no point going after small people, people on the streets, for 10grams. But what about the people who are involved, that’s what we are supposed to be targeting and for a time now, that’s what we have been waiting for.

Call for action | War on Drugs It's action time, says Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga. Speaking after the launch of the much-awaited Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028, Mr Turaga said the strategy was […]

Calls are being made by residents of Lautoka for the Government and communities to work together and solve the issue of drugs as people are moving away from ma*****na but are going into hard drugs, which is a very sad situation.

Lautoka Residents and Ratepayers Association President, Narayan Reddy says more than 200 people can be found on the streets of Lautoka in the mornings, and the number is increasing.

Concerns have also been raised by the people of Lautoka as drug peddlers are seen everyday in the city area.

They say hard drug use in rife and they have also seen the increase in young girls, even of primary school age, involved in prostitution.

Lautoka residents call for united effort to tackle escalating drug problem and homelessness Calls are being made by residents of Lautoka for the Government and communities to work together and solve the issue of drugs as people are moving awa

There was no framework on the fight against the escalating drug problem in Fiji.

This has been highlighted by Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga.

Turaga says the 2023 to 2028 National Counter Narcotics Strategy is a platform that provides a roadmap for this important war against drugs.

There was no prior framework says Turaga Turaga says the 2023 to 2028 National Counter Narcotics Strategy is a platform that provides a roadmap for this important war against drugs.

As people wait for the 2024/2025 National Budget announcement tomorrow morning, the Fiji Council of Social Services is hoping for a budget that will prioritise addressing the issues and challenges of the people and building infrastructure.

FCOSS hopes budget addresses drug crisis, infrastructure and workers' concerns As people wait for the 2024/2025 National Budget announcement tomorrow morning, the Fiji Council of Social Services is hoping for a budget that will p

The Fijian government is taking decisive steps to address the country’s drug crisis by establishing a rehabilitation center aimed at assisting addicts and strengthening the fight against drug abuse.

Minister for Infrastructure, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, announced this initiative during the opening of the Rewa Provincial Council Meeting this morning.

The minister says that the funding for the rehabilitation center will be incorporated into the new National Budget.

Drug rehabilitation center is critical: Ro Filipe The Fijian government is taking decisive steps to address the country’s drug crisis by establishing a rehabilitation center aimed at assisting addicts and strengthening the fight against drug abuse.

AS parents, looking after your mental health is as important as the role you play in your child’s life, says Substance Abuse Advisory Council CEO Josua Naisele.

Raising awareness on the dangers of drug use for The Fiji Times staff members yesterday, Mr Naisele stressed the importance of parents guiding their children away from negative influences.

Parents play huge role in fight against drugs AS parents, looking after your mental health is as important as the role you play in your child's life, says Substance Abuse Advisory Council CEO Josua […]

All Fijians have been urged to join in the fight against drugs.

Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga said there were often instances of people only posting drug use and abuse on social media.

‘Let’s unite in the fight against drugs’ All Fijians have been urged to join in the fight against drugs. Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga said there were often instances of people only posting […]

Acting Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad will be announcing funding for the National Narcotics strategy to ensure a narcotics bureau is set up.

Prasad highlighted this while launching the National Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023 to 2028.

Budget to include funding for narcotics bureau Acting Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad will be announcing funding for the National Narcotics strategy to ensure a narcotics bureau is set up.

RSMS Deputy Head Girl voices concern about drugs and calls for urgent action The Deputy Head Girl of Ratu Sukuna Memorial School, Tuana Kateke, says Fiji’s schools which were once a sanctuary of learning, now grapple with an insidious...

Students are now voicing their concerns about the deadly impact that drugs have on their lives and are calling for action from everyone, especially, parents.

During the launch of the National Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028 at the Fiji National University Nasinu Campus, two students took centre stage to voice their concerns on the threatening issue currently impacting the country.

The Deputy Head Girl of Ratu Sukuna Memorial School, Tuana Kateke, says Fiji’s schools which were once a sanctuary of learning, now grapple with an insidious foe known as illicit drugs.

Students voice concerns about drugs and call for urgent action Students are now voicing their concerns about the deadly impact that drugs have on their lives and are calling for action from everyone, especially, p

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad says we are about 10 years late to come out with a comprehensive National Counter Narcotics Strategy that will deal with the fundamental problem that we have had for many years.

Professor Prasad says he will also ensure that the programs are well funded through the National Budget and through our development partners mainly Australia, New Zealand and the US.

We are taking the drug problem head on and you will see action - Prof. Prasad Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad says we are about 10 years late to come out with a comprehensive National Count

Assistant Commissioner of Police Senior Superintendent of Police Livai Driu has expressed concern over the number of gruesome deaths that continue to be reported each week.

Mr Driu said they were especially concerned about drug related deaths.

Drug related deaths worry police force Assistant Commissioner of Police Senior Superintendent of Police Livai Driu has expressed concern over the number of gruesome deaths that continue to be reported each week.

Fiji launches Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028
The drug trade in Fiji is driven by Fiji's strategic location, poverty and corruption – Pro Prasad

Fiji launches Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028 It is a milestone achievement for the country today as Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Professor Biman Pras

Huge WIN for Fiji, today as we commemorate UN Interventional Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2024 theme: “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention”- the Republic of Fiji officially Launch the Fiji Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028 at FNU Nasinu Campus. This was officially launched by the Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Honorable Professor Birman Prasad.

Our warmest appreciation to all that took part from the initial stage in 2019, from various sources and talanoa sessions. It has been an honor to be part of this crucial and important work for our beloved country Fiji 🇫🇯.

We also payed tribute to Mr Jioji Washington and Mr Anare Masitabua who were pioneers of the work that initiated the formation of this document, may they both Rest in Peace - gone but not forgotten!!

The soft copy of the document is available for all, and will can be downloaded on the Fiji Government website.

Fiji… we now have the document needed for Action… now we move on to the implementation stages!!! Woooo Hoooo 👊🏾👊🏾👊🏾

https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/image-gallery/counter-narcotics-strategy-2023-2028-launch/