A Labasa lawyer says Fiji’s Illicit Drugs Act needs an urgent review to better reflect the realities of drug use and enforcement.
Sushil Sharma believes the current legislation fails to properly distinguish between different substances and between users and dealers.
“When the Illicit Drugs Act was enacted, it didn’t fully consider all practical implications, especially around enforcement and sentencing,” he said.
Mr Sharma said penalties should vary depending on the substance, pointing to marijuana’s medicinal potential compared with the harmful effects of methamphetamine.
“Our sentencing guidelines should reflect that distinction.
“Courts are often more lenient with small amounts of marijuana for personal use, while drug dealers face harsher punishment.”
He said clearer legal definitions would help improve enforcement and ensure the law is fair, practical, and effective in today’s context.
