There are two groups involved in drugs, according to the Counter Narcotics Bill consultant Jemesa Lave.
Mr Lave said some profit from selling them, while there are those who suffer from using them.
“Fiji must now face the reality of its growing drug crisis by recognising the difference between traffickers and users,” Mr Lave said.
He said a new approach being considered will take a tough stand against those making money from drugs, while offering rehabilitation and recovery opportunities to users.
“For too long, drug enforcement has been seen as the responsibility of the police alone, but the police cannot solve this problem by themselves. We need a whole-of-nation approach.”
Mr Lave was speaking at the public consultation on the Narcotis Bill, at the Labasa Civic Centre recently.
“The fight against drugs must involve every stakeholder, including faith-based organisations, community groups, civil society and international partners.”
He said existing laws do not properly provide structured opportunities for rehabilitation and recovery for drug users.
“This is one of the key issues we are proposing in the new legislation.”
He said Government wants a balanced law, one that punishes traffickers strongly but also gives users a pathway to change.
