THE Government will take firm action against licensed operators found using drugs, including cancelling their licences, says Assistant Minister for Transport Naisa Tuinaceva.
Mr Tuinaceva was responding to concerns raised by Goundar Shipping director George Goundar regarding alleged drug use by seafarers.
He said Government’s position on drugs was clear and authorities were working collectively to combat the issue across all modes of transport.
“The Government’s position in terms of drugs is very clear. We are doing our best – the Government is doing its best. We are all fighting for this. We want to stop it,” Mr Tuinaceva said.
He highlighted ongoing collaboration between transport authorities and the Fiji Police Force to strengthen laws and enforcement measures, particularly in relation to drug testing.
“Even with the Land Transport Authority side, you must have heard how we are working together with the police in trying to get the law and regulations in place. We will do drug tests to determine if there are drugs – to ascertain if a driver is taking drugs.”
Mr Tuinaceva said those found guilty of operating vehicles or vessels under the influence of drugs would face strict consequences.
“If that is the case, what we are going to do now is cancel the licence. We are going to allow that. It’s all part of our collective effort in trying to combat drugs in the region.”
He stressed that the crackdown would apply across the transport sector, including road and maritime operators.
“Whether it’s road, whether it’s sea, we will not tolerate this. We are going to go against this in the strongest manner – even if those having licences must be stripped of their licences because of using drugs.” Mr Tuinaceva reiterated that the fight against drugs remained a top priority for the Government.
“The fight for us is very clear. We want to stop this. We want to help and assist in fighting against drugs in our country.”
