A businessman in Labasa believes police numbers are too limited to tackle drug cases in Fiji and called for stronger community involvement.
Satish Kumar said police cannot fight drugs alone.
“We need the public to work with them,” Mr Kumar said.
Mr Kumar warned that commercial drug dealers were actively pushing drugs into communities and said traffickers, whether local or foreign, should face tough penalties.
However, he said drug users should not be punished alone.
“They need rehabilitation, not just jail,” he said.
He urged the Government to establish dedicated rehabilitation centres to educate, treat, and reform users.
He also called for drug awareness programs in schools, from kindergarten through secondary levels.
“Education and awareness must start at home and continue in schools. Students are already using and selling drugs in some schools.”
He said there was a need for modern intelligence systems and better-equipped police.
“Informers must feel safe. Without protection, people will not report crimes.”
He also called for legal reforms to give police the authority to act effectively while remaining accountable.
Narcotics Bill consultant Inspector Jemesa Lave said the Government was reviewing rehabilitation services, including private and faith-based providers to standardise and strengthen them.
