Fear is keeping the public silent on drug activities, a Labasa resident warned during consultations on the proposed Narcotics Bill.
Speaking at the Civic Centre in Labasa, Kansami Naiker said while communities were “rich with information”, many were too afraid to come forward.
“The public is rich with information, but we must ask the reasons they are not coming forward,” he said. “It’s because they are afraid.”
Mr Naiker claimed there had been instances where information shared with authorities reached drug offenders before police could act.
“This has happened several times. We know improvements have been made, but internal systems must also be cleaned up. That is very important.”
He expressed hope that the new law would offer protection for whistleblowers and called for tougher enforcement.
“There is a need for stricter enforcement of drug laws. I am not saying we should introduce the death penalty, but strict enforcement is necessary.”
Narcotics Bill consultant Inspector Jemesa Lave acknowledged the challenge.
“Like if something gets stolen, you will go straight away and report it to the police station,” he said.
However, he admitted drug offences were different.
“Drug is one whereby people cannot come openly and state that an individual is selling it. The people can’t do that because they fear victimisation.”
IP Lave said police often had to gather intelligence themselves, as fear continued to silence potential informants.
